Max Verstappen suggests Jos Verstappen could lead Red Bull, sparks debate. Max Verstappen praises his father Jos Verstappen.

F1 | Verstappen praises his father as a potential Red Bull team principal

On the eve of the United States Grand Prix, Max Verstappen spoke warmly and respectfully about the role his father, Jos Verstappen, played in his career and development as a racing driver. The four-time Formula 1 world champion highlighted his father’s technical expertise and dedication, even suggesting that Jos would make an excellent team principal at any level of motorsport.

Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver in the 1990s and early 2000s, retired from racing in 2003 to closely follow his son’s progress, guiding him step by step from karting to his Formula 1 debut in 2015. Today, Jos continues to compete in rallying but remains a constant figure and mentor for Max.

Verstappen proposes his father as team principal

During a media session, Max recalled how much he learned from his father from a very young age. “I have so many great memories with my father since I started racing, but what impressed me the most is his knowledge of racing, car setup, and preparing vehicles and karts.”

“What he taught me from an early age… it’s a type of knowledge that’s hard to describe but shaped me into the person I am today — not just in driving speed but in understanding the car.”

Verstappen then explained why he believes his father has all the qualities to lead a racing team, while admitting Jos might not be interested in such a role: “I think he would be an excellent team principal, even though I don’t believe he wants to be. His technical understanding and ability to make the car faster would make him perfect for it.”

“I still talk to him about many aspects, from his work in rallying to my GT3 experiences. It’s incredible to have someone like my father explain everything and pass on his knowledge.”

Finally, Max emphasized the personal sacrifices his father made to help him reach Formula 1: “In the years I was starting out, he practically put his own career on hold and devoted himself 110% to giving me the best opportunities — not only getting me the best equipment but also improving and preparing it himself.”

This heartfelt recognition highlights the special bond between father and son in F1, underlining the pivotal role Jos Verstappen played in shaping Max’s sporting and personal growth.