Jos Verstappen, the man behind the creation of Formula 1’s “biggest beast,” Max Verstappen, has been hailed as a “pure thug” for his controversial parenting methods that shaped his son into the formidable driver he is today. Gino Rosato, a close friend of the Verstappens, praised Jos for instilling old-school work ethics in Max, leading to his success on the racetrack.
Despite facing criticism for his tough approach, Jos defended his methods, emphasizing that he was teaching and pushing Max to excel in the cutthroat world of motorsport. Rosato commended Jos for not coddling Max like many parents do today, highlighting the Verstappen father-son duo’s unique and effective dynamic.
With Max’s impressive track record and world championship titles, it’s evident that Jos’ unconventional parenting style has paid off. Rosato emphasized that the Verstappens’ story is a testament to the importance of tough love and instilling a strong work ethic in achieving greatness.
Max’s business manager, Raymond Vermeulen, also acknowledged Jos’ unorthodox but loving approach, recognizing that it was instrumental in Max’s development as a successful and driven athlete. Despite Max’s fierce competitiveness on the track, off the track, he is described as a calm, friendly, and balanced individual—a stark contrast that showcases the complexity of his character.
As the Verstappens continue to dominate the F1 scene, the spotlight remains on Jos’ role in shaping Max into the superstar driver he is today. Their story serves as a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and the power of tough love in nurturing talent and achieving unparalleled success in the world of Formula 1.