Max Verstappen’s Father Shares His Woes Racing Against ‘Strong Teammate’ Michael Schumacher

There’s a considerable difference in how the F1 careers of Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen have turned out. While Verstappen senior’s career in F1 is regarded as one with a lack of success, his son’s time in the sport has been the complete opposite.

And this is something that the 2021 champion believes was no accident, that everything his father suffered in his career didn’t go “in vain.”

In the Ziggo Mini-Series, ‘Max Verstappen: Whatever It Takes’, Jos Verstappen recalled his time at Benetton alongside the great Michael Schumacher. He said, “My best time was actually the first year. You made many mistakes. At least, I also think it was difficult if you had a really strong teammate.”

Verstappen described how “everything was adjusted,” to Schumacher, something for which he “just wasn’t prepared.” “I think I could have gotten a lot more out of it if I had known more. If I had someone with me who explained things,” he continued.

“I had to figure everything out myself. And once you found out, it was already too late.”

His son, the modern-day great thinks everything his father went through ended up helping his own career. “Everything he’s been through has been good for me in the end,” Max Verstappen said.

He continued, “I think he likes it much more that I’m doing well now.” “And that in the end, everything was not in vain,” Verstappen added.

“He went all the way” – Max Verstappen on his father

After winning the championship in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen said, “[Winning the world title] is a life mission my dad and myself had from when I was a little kid.”

“My dad basically threw everything at it. He believed in me – he went all the way,” he added. 

It’s true that Jos Verstappen may not have been a successful F1 driver, but what’s inarguable is the fact that he is a successful father who raised his son all the way to becoming a champion.

And that makes his own life a success story.

Also Read: “Take a Step Back” – AlphaTauri Manager Recalls When Max Verstappen’s Father Crossed the Line