Verstappen's former team boss: "Max already beat Jos as a child"

Former Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart tells about the time Jos Verstappen drove for his team, and regularly took Max Verstappen to events. Stoddart tells that at the age of five Max already beat his father on the simulator.

At the time, Max went along to an event in Bruntingthorpe, where a sponsor had a Formula One simulator on display. "Max was there with his dad and said 'Come on, come on', and wanted to try it out," says Stoddart in conversation with Daily Mail.

Already then visible that Verstappen was talented

"Jos will remember it better than I do," Stoddart continues. "But Max beat him in the Formula 1 simulator! You couldn't help but think what would become of him. Racing is in his family's blood."

Stoddart saw his talent back then, and is convinced it's only a matter of time before Verstappen becomes world champion. "I met him before he came to Formula 1 in 2015, and after having a chat you quickly realise how serious he is. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be world champion, even multiple world champion," Stoddart finishes.