Jos Verstappen Reflects on Max's Special 2021 Title

Jos Verstappen explains why his son’s 2021 World Title remains unforgettable, despite the controversy, and the emotions that followed.

Jos Verstappen was asked about his favorite title among the four won by his son Max. The former F1 driver explained that the most recent one was the toughest, but the first remains special despite the controversy surrounding Michael Masi during the 2021 finale.

“He was also very good in 2023. But of course, 2024 was harder for him because the car wasn’t the best on the grid, and he always had to drive on the limit without making mistakes. He did it very well,” Jos Verstappen told F1-Insider.

“He always gave 100 percent. But this year, it was more noticeable. People saw that Max could make the difference compared to others. Every title is special and valuable. The best is always the first. Abu Dhabi 2021 was very special.”

“When you win the title on the last lap, you’ll never forget it. Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton won’t like that. But I remember sitting in the pits with my son shortly after the race and reliving his career in fast-forward. It was an extremely beautiful and emotional moment for both of us.”

As for the most memorable moment of Max Verstappen’s 2024 season, Jos pointed to the Brazilian Grand Prix, which his son won in heavy rain after starting from the back of the grid.

“As for 2024, his race in Sao Paulo under torrential rain naturally stands out. He had to start from the back in extremely difficult conditions. It was easy to make a mistake, but Max just drove as if the rain wasn’t there. It was special.”

Jos Remains Defiant About the Future

For 2025, Jos Verstappen remains highly wary of Red Bull’s ability to fend off McLaren and Ferrari.

“I’m a bit skeptical. Red Bull needs to build a more predictable car in all conditions. Looking at the second half of 2024, there’s little reason for optimism. Red Bull simply failed to make the car consistently fast, so why should that change this year?”

He sees Adrian Newey’s departure as central to the team’s struggles.

“I think so. It’s a fact that the car didn’t improve after he left the team. Updates no longer worked as expected. I’ve said enough about why the team could collapse. Let’s leave it at that. One thing is certain: Red Bull has a huge task ahead in 2025.”

Max Verstappen recently admitted that if Red Bull starts the season with a car similar to 2024’s, he won’t win a fifth title. His father believes this could prompt Max to leave.

“Yes, anything is possible,” Jos confirms. “He’ll stay with Red Bull if he sees the value in it. His goal is always to win races. If he feels that’s no longer possible with Red Bull, a change isn’t off the table, as I’ve said before.”