Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed his dream opponent on the racetrack: his father, Jos Verstappen, who competed in Formula 1 between 1994 and 2003. While Max has dominated the sport in recent years, he expressed a playful curiosity about how he would fare against his father in a head-to-head battle.
The Father-Son Rivalry That Never Was
In an interview reflecting on his meteoric career, Verstappen named his father as the driver he’d most like to face in equal machinery. Jos Verstappen, though not as decorated as his son, earned two podium finishes during his F1 career and played a crucial role in Max’s journey to becoming a motorsport sensation.
“My dad, to be honest. Same age. I think it would be quite funny to see,” Max said.
“It would be quite a spicy fight, I think.”
Jos Verstappen has been an ever-present figure in Max’s racing journey, mentoring him through his karting days and into his rise in Formula 1. Despite their close bond, Max humorously admitted he believes he would have the upper hand in a hypothetical duel.
The Legacy of Jos Verstappen
While Max has achieved unparalleled success in his career, Jos Verstappen’s impact on the sport was notable in its own right. Known for his tenacity and driving skill, Jos competed for teams like Benetton, Simtek, and Arrows. Despite his modest results, his experience laid the groundwork for his son’s future dominance.
“My father always said he wanted me to be a better driver than him,” Max shared.
“I think he’d be proud to see how far we’ve come.”
Max Verstappen’s Dominance in 2024
Max Verstappen has continued his reign as the top driver in Formula 1, claiming his fourth championship title this season. With nine wins and 14 podium finishes so far, the 27-year-old has cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest. Heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen is aiming for a fifth victory at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Aspirations
In a separate narrative, Yuki Tsunoda, currently the longest-serving Red Bull junior driver, has voiced his desire for a promotion to the senior Red Bull Racing team. Tsunoda believes his performances have earned him a shot alongside Verstappen.
“It’s quite clear what I’ve done this year, and I should get a chance. But I don’t know; it’s up to them,” Tsunoda said.
Tsunoda’s consistent performance in 2024 has sparked speculation, but Red Bull’s notoriously competitive driver selection process leaves his future uncertain. Verstappen’s current teammate situation, however, remains under scrutiny as the team navigates internal dynamics.
A Legacy in the Making
The Verstappen name continues to dominate the Formula 1 conversation, not just through Max’s unparalleled success but also through his reflections on the familial bond that fueled his career. Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing faces decisions about its future lineup, with drivers like Tsunoda vying for an opportunity to join the reigning world champion on the grid.