Infamous For His Parenting, Jos’ “Hard Truths” From Age 4 The Secret Behind F1 Champion Max Verstappen

Fans watch in awe how Max Verstappen takes over the F1 world by storm at the young age of 24. The Dutchman has already won a title and is on course for his second. But little do people know what went on behind the scenes that made Max who he is today.

Verstappen started karting at the age of 4. That’s quite young, isn’t it? Well, not for Max.

He said “When I was 4 years old, I was on the go-kart track and I saw somebody driving who is even younger than me. I go (sic) my dad and said I wanted a go-kart. But he said no and said he wanted me to start when I was 6. But I kept pushing and he finally allowed me when I was 4 and a half.”

Jos Verstappen and Sophie Kumpen, Max’s parents, were racing drivers themselves. However, they sadly never made it to the top like Max. But when Max showed interest, “Jos decided that his whole life will be putting Max through racing and helping him.”

Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, explained why it is so difficult to build a racing driver of Max’s level. He said, “It’s very easy to believe the fantasy and dream of what is needed to be a racing driver. But I think you need someone like Jos, who’s been there to know the hard truths.”

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The ups and downs of an athlete’s professional career are unique to them and difficult for outsiders to understand. That’s what makes it so important for them to have experienced individuals in their corners. They help them get back up when it is easier to leave than fight.

Max Verstappen breaks the father-son F1 curse

In the same video, we hear Ted Kravitz saying, “Sometimes sons of racing drivers turn out not as good as their dads, but that’s not (emphasis) the case with Max Verstappen!”

Jos’ infamous methods, paired with Max’s natural talent and hard work, led to him being a much greater driver than his parents.

There have been a number of father-son driver pairings in F1. Results have been mixed with some sons going on to be better than their fathers, while some not being able to handle the pressure of the elite sport.

The best example of that is, of course, the Schumachers – Michael and Mick. While Michael needs no introduction, Mick has yet to flourish in F1. He has been having a tough time and is on thin ice with his current seat at Haas.

Other duos of fame are – Carlos Sainz and Carlos Sainz Jr; Graham Hill and Damon Hill; Gilles Villeneuve and Jacques Villeneuve. These 3 sons did live up to their fathers’ reputations.

On the other hand, Keke Rosberg and Nico Rosberg; Jan Magnussen, and Kevin Magnussen are examples of sons doing better than their fathers.

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While Verstappen has clearly turned out to become a better driver than his father and mother, there is no doubt about the contribution they have in his development. His victories and success are equally theirs too.