As Max Verstappen celebrated his fourth consecutive Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, fans noticed a conspicuous absence—his father, Jos Verstappen. Amid rumors of their rocky past, Jos has finally revealed the reasons for missing his son’s monumental achievement, putting speculation to rest.
The Flu Kept Him Away
Speaking out for the first time since the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Jos disclosed that illness was the primary factor behind his absence.
“I wasn’t feeling so well. I had a little flu, and then I didn’t want to be around Max either, for fear that I would pass it to him,” said the former F1 driver.
His decision to steer clear of the celebrations underscored his concern for his son, especially during a high-stakes period in the F1 calendar.
Commitments and Time Difference Added to the Challenge
Beyond the flu, Jos explained that other factors also contributed to his absence. The Las Vegas race’s time difference posed logistical hurdles, and Jos himself had racing commitments that required his attention.
“Besides that, of course, you also have the time difference. I also have another race myself this weekend, so I have to prepare a bit for that,” he noted.
The elder Verstappen’s active involvement in motorsport underscores his continued passion for racing, even as his son dominates Formula 1.
Doubts About Red Bull’s Form
Jos also reflected on the challenges Max faced during the season, particularly as Red Bull Racing’s performance dipped mid-year. The Dutchman admitted that he wasn’t entirely confident his son could maintain his championship lead, given the team’s struggles with car development.
“Of course, he had a certain lead [in the drivers’ championship]. Whether he would keep that up depended on the development of his car. I wasn’t always sure about that myself,” Jos said.
However, he praised Max’s extraordinary resilience, singling out the Brazilian Grand Prix as a defining moment.
“What Max eventually showed and the races he drove, especially Brazil, that is really unprecedented. That ensured he managed to pull it over the line.”
A Father-Son Bond Tested and Strengthened
Jos and Max have shared a complicated relationship, with well-documented tensions from the younger Verstappen’s early years. Despite their history, the two have moved forward, with Jos regularly appearing at race weekends to support Max. His absence in Las Vegas, it seems, was not a reflection of strained relations but rather a mix of unavoidable circumstances and professional obligations.
Max Verstappen: A Legacy in the Making
At just 27 years old, Max Verstappen’s four consecutive titles place him among Formula 1’s most accomplished drivers. With several years still ahead of him, the Dutchman has the opportunity to cement an even greater legacy in the sport.
As the Verstappen family prepares for another season, the bond between father and son continues to evolve. While Jos may have missed the Las Vegas celebrations, his pride in Max’s achievements is unmistakable. With 2025 on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether the reigning champion can maintain his dominance.
