Max Verstappen’s father played a significant role in helping his son break into Formula 1. Unfortunately, he is also known for the (not so conventional) methods he used.
In a 2022 documentary, *Né pour gagner*, dedicated to the three-time world champion, Pierre Gasly recalled a particular incident involving father and son.
“I had won a race in Spain, and Max finished second,” said the Alpine driver, in a video excerpt you can watch at the end of the article. The event in question happened when Verstappen was only twelve years old, and he and Gasly were racing in go-karts.
“His father lost his temper and started yelling in Dutch, and then insulting his son in English. Then he took Max’s helmet and threw it at him, telling him to go f*** himself because he couldn’t even win a race.”
Pierre Gasly also added that there were other kids at the track who were shocked to see how Jos Verstappen treated his son.
While the behavior of the former Formula 1 driver is often a topic of discussion among motorsport fans, the Red Bull driver has always acknowledged his father’s immense support. At this year’s Chinese GP, Max Verstappen emphasized that without that strict upbringing, he wouldn’t have reached the pinnacle of his Formula 1 career.
Jos himself has denied allegations of abuse toward his son: “There are people who think I’m a bad father because I abused my son. I never did that! I raised him. I was tough on him. That was part of my plan.”
You can watch Pierre Gasly’s video at this link.
Leave a Reply