“Everybody’s Scared of Helmut [Marko]”: Max Verstappen’s Father Jos Reveals Amusing Story Amid Red Bull Uncertainty

In a recent exclusive interview, Jos Verstappen, the father of Red Bull sensation Max Verstappen, has unveiled a lighthearted yet revealing tale. It’s a story that offers a unique glimpse into the mindset of a young racer. Amidst the managerial shake-up inside the Milton-Keynes camp and the looming question marks surrounding Helmut Marko’s future with the team, Jos Verstappen’s story reflects Max’s strong commitment and fearless mentality.

Formula 1 teams go through managerial restructuring all the time, and recently, Red Bull has been looking to make some big adjustments. At the heart of recent discussions is the influential figure of Helmut Marko, a key player in the team’s journey since 2005. Marko’s legacy is etched in the success stories emerging from the Red Bull Academy, boasting names like Sebastian Vettel and the current sensation, Max Verstappen. However, recent criticisms have questioned the efficiency of the driver development program, bringing Marko’s future into focus.

Amidst Helmut Marko’s uncertain future at Red Bull, Jos reveals Max Verstappen’s fearlessness

In an exclusive interview with Planet F1, Jos Verstappen shared insights into the roots of Max’s headstrong mentality. With a touch of humor, Jos unveiled a side of Max that transcends the formidable presence of Helmut Marko. “Everybody’s a bit scared of Helmut! But he never had that,” Jos asserted. Dr. Helmut Marko has become notorious for his taskmaster treatment of Red Bull-affiliated drivers, but that’s what has made him a linchpin for the Red Bull team, particularly in the domain of driver development.

However, decisions like investing in seven junior drivers in Formula 2 last season raised eyebrows, with doubts lingering about their potential to rise to Formula 1. The abrupt signing and subsequent replacement of Nyck De Vries within 10 races further fueled skepticism surrounding the program’s effectiveness. While many drivers succumbed under the pressure of Marko’s watchful eye, Max Verstappen wasn’t one of them, and Jos revealed why.

The three-time champion’s father explained,” ‘He said, ‘If I could work with my dad, Helmut is easy!’ So I think that’s how he feels it. I was always clear. I know what I wanted, I know what I wanted from him. We gave everything. That’s how I am. And I think that’s how he is.” Although Verstappen is living proof of Marko’s success in terms of driver development, the Red Bull advisor’s role is still in question.

In the face of these challenges, Marko openly acknowledged ongoing discussions about his future with Red Bull Racing. With his contract set to conclude at the end of 2024, an impending meeting with the team’s management will decide the trajectory of his tenure. The team is undergoing a restructuring of its management, and rumors of tension hint at a power struggle within the team hierarchy, with Christian Horner reportedly seeking complete control over Formula 1 operations.

READ MORE: Franz Tost Exposes Red Bull Founder’s Bias Towards Helmut Marko That Negatively Affected Junior Team

In Formula 1, where split-second decisions and focus are paramount, mental fortitude plays a pivotal role. And Max Verstappen seems to be quite tough in his mind.

Max Verstappen has mental toughness built into him

In the high-speed drama of Formula 1, the mental game plays a crucial role, often hidden behind the scenes. Despite an apparent aversion to formal mental coaching, Max Verstappen is believed to possess significant mental resilience. In a podcast, sports psychologist Nico van Yperen shed light on Verstappen’s approach to mental training.

As quoted by Formule1.nl, he suggested, “I know that Max Verstappen radiates a kind of allergy to mental coaching; he wants nothing to do with it. But I think he has made huge strides mentally, and he does a lot of mental training.” [Translated by Google]

The mental toughness required in Formula 1 goes beyond handling performance pressure. Verstappen’s history of mental training, particularly with his father, involves honing crucial skills like navigating racing lines, handling adverse weather conditions, and executing tire-management strategies. Van Yperen emphasizes the importance of proactive visualization and meticulous preparation, crucial for drivers operating at speeds that leave little room for conscious thought.

Van Yperen noted, “That is a very important part of mental training, even when nothing negative has happened.”

Jos Verstappen’s tough love approach has unleashed Max Verstappen into the world of Formula 1, and it looks like nothing can stop him as long as he has decent machinery to work with.

Watch This Story | From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen: How F1 Drivers train