Jos Verstappen: "He declares me crazy"

Jos Verstappen has been taking part in several rallies since this year and he is having a lot of fun doing so. The 50-year-old driver no longer attends Formula 1 Grands Prix as often, so he has time left over to do things on his own. By chance, that has actually become rallying, he explains.

In Verstappen's early years in Formula 1, father Jos was actually always present at Grands Prix. Every now and then, we still see Verstappen sr. making an appearance on the paddock, but where the coaching at Toro Rosso and at the beginning of Red Bull was quite intensive, Max is now completely on his own. However, that is not necessarily why he has revived his own career in racing.

Jos went into rallying by accident

"No, I just rolled into this. But it's true that I was a bit more involved in the beginning than I am now. I took my steps back, but then it's nice when you have a challenge of your own. Don't get me wrong: I just have a great time at home, with my family and children. But to then also sit at home all day... I do need that challenge, so to speak," Jos says in conversation with de Volkskrant.

In the interview, Jos reveals that he actually ended up in rallying. The racing company he sometimes races with on circuits for his own pleasure tipped him off to take a rally test. The former Formula 1 driver was so enthusiastic after that test that he immediately got into the rally car more often. He has already participated in quite a few smaller races, but he has also made his debut in the world championship by taking part in one round. And that tastes like more.

What does Max think of rallying?

Whereas Jos is very enthusiastic about rallying and has really found his niche, his son personally doesn't think much of it. "He declares me crazy," he jokes. "He likes it, but driving so close to those trees, he doesn't like it. But I think I had that too when I was that young. That will come. He's busy with other things now.