Max Verstappen overcame relentless on-track and off-track hurdles in 2024, earning his father Jos’s admiration for his candid leadership.
Jos Verstappen praised his son Max for being “frank” this year on his way to securing a fourth consecutive F1 title.
The Red Bull driver faced multiple challenges both on and off the track, including a tricky RB20 to balance in the second half of the season and, more significantly, a politically tense internal environment early in the year.
Verstappen had to contend with the departures of key Red Bull figures, including Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley. Additionally, he navigated away from involvement in the investigation earlier this year into Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, which concluded with the allegations being dropped.
His father, Jos, is not surprised by Max’s ability to handle every situation with finesse.
“He has been very smart, in fact. He controls himself well and is very stable in that regard.”
“He also doesn’t care about what is said or written about him. He hears and sees everything, but it doesn’t affect him. Of course, he’s constantly being asked about all sorts of things and therefore needs to know what’s happening. But I think Max always manages that very well. He’s in a good place and is mentally very strong.”
Did Jos advise him on political matters?
“I always share my perspective with Max, how I see things. But I don’t really need to; we think more or less the same way. Max isn’t very different from me in how we view things. He’s just a bit cleaner, calmer, and a little more balanced (laughs).”
“Fortunately, Max is straightforward and says what he thinks. I like that. And I think it’s fantastic in this sport. Look around, not everyone does that. Many drivers beat around the bush and don’t say what they think. Max is an open book.”
This also gave Jos a chance to defend his son’s stance during the 2022 Brazilian GP when Max refused to let his teammate, Sergio Perez, pass to help him in the drivers’ championship.
“That question came up. Max had discussed it before the trip to Brazil, and they didn’t plan to bring it up, but suddenly, it came through on the radio.”
“Max responded very clearly at that moment too. He leaves no room for doubt, even in this area. What is decided is decided.”
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Max Verstappen’s Grit Shines Through 2024 Challenges Max Verstappen’s Grit Shines Through 2024 Challenges
