Marko Hints at Past Problems With Max Verstappen’s Father Jos at Red Bull F1

There are a lot of bits and pieces in the bigger puzzle of factors that led to the incredibly dramatic, but well-deserved world championship of Max Verstappen in 2021. Yes, there is the Dutchman’s undeniable racing talent, intelligence, and instincts. But there’s also a big support team behind Verstappen.

And no member of that support team holds more authority, or significance, than his father Jos Verstappen. Verstappen senior, who himself is a former F1 driver, has more or less, orchestrated his son’s F1 career right from the beginning.

But Jos Verstappen’s relationship with Red Bull, inarguably the second biggest factor in Verstappen’s success, wasn’t always easy. This is something Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko recently hinted at.

Marko said about the working relationship with the elder Verstappen, “It was a bit difficult at the beginning, but then he took a back seat.” Though the Austrian added that things are now “harmonious” with the Verstappen family.

Marko suggests Jos’ career plan for Max Verstappen worked out

The Red Bull advisor praised Jos Verstappen’s well-planned out path for his son’s career. He said the Verstappens have “gradually worked towards” the dream of the world championship title that turned into reality in 2021.

Marko attributed it as “the culmination” of years and years of hard work. “Max did it optimally,” the Austrian said.

After the race in Abu Dhabi that sealed Verstappen’s fate as a champion, his father referred to him as a fighter, with a fighting DNA. “He kept fighting. He will always fight. That’s in his DNA,” Jos Verstappen said.

But none of us should forget that the fighting genes, the winning mentality, and the grit that we have now come to associate Max Verstappen with, came from his father over years and years of hard work and perseverance.

Also Read: Marko Names Max Verstappen the Greatest Red Bull F1 Driver Ahead of Sebastian Vettel