The unexpected driver Jos Verstappen once labelled the 'karting GOAT'

As well known, Thai driver's Red Bull career suffered a major setback after less than a year, as he was replaced like many others who had suffered the same fate before him. Albon eventually took a different path with Williams, where he has since established himself as a key figure thanks to his performances and consistent results over the years.

During the discussion, Jos singled out Albon as an exceptional talent during his karting days, even regarding him as the benchmark of that era. The comment particularly surprised Coulthard given that Verstappen is usually quite reserved when expressing opinions about other drivers, with his focus naturally tending to be on his son Max.

“I’m going to share something with you. I had dinner with Mark Webber, Martin Brundle, Jos Verstappen and Raymond Vermeulen, who is Max’s manager. The reason to mention that group of people was we were talking about drivers and karting, and Jos went, ‘Alex Albon, in karting, was the karting GOAT,’ he said via Up To Speed podcast.

The former F1 driver explained that Jos’ assessment stayed with him, especially given how closely the Verstappen family had been involved in karting. Coulthard therefore believes Albon could show even more of the ability he demonstrated earlier in his career if Williams can provide him with a car that allows him to fully express his potential.

Jos Verstappen has also spoken highly of his son away from the track, describing the four-time world champion as down-to-earth and honest and expressing how proud he is of both his personality and achievements.

Speaking to AutoHebdo, Verstappen also praised Max’s ability behind the wheel, arguing that his son has already exceeded everything the family could have hoped for. He believes further Formula 1 world titles are possible, although he stressed that this will ultimately depend on whether Max has the right machinery at his disposal.

Looking further ahead, Jos does not expect his son to still be racing in Formula 1 in 10 years’ time. Instead, he hopes Max will have added a Le Mans victory to his achievements by then. He acknowledged that winning the endurance classic is far from straightforward, particularly given the close competition created by the Balance of Performance, but expects Max to remain involved in racing even after his F1 career comes to an end.