Father Jos Verstappen (49) laid the foundation for this early on. “Even at kart level, I tried to convey as much as possible to him,” says Verstappen senior on Red Bull’s Speedweek website. “Because there are so many aspects to consider – the driving itself, how you overtake, then how you set up your vehicle. Overtaking was a huge issue for me because, in my opinion, you can also overtake the wrong way. “
Like in a boot camp, the father instilled an exceptional talent in his son. Jos: “That is one of the reasons why we have the impression in Formula 1 today that Max can overtake anywhere. An overtaking maneuver is not a product of chance. A pilot has to keep an eye on his opponent, spy on his weaknesses and really put his rivals under their control. Max trained and internalized this in karting for years. “
In 2021 there were already two clashes between the World Cup rivals.
In 2021, however, this also led to two collisions with World Cup rival Lewis Hamilton. And Formula 1 expert Marc Surer also expects further crash potential for the final spurt of the title. “It’s only a matter of hundredths of a second,” says the Swiss at ABMS. “Before that, Hamilton had always withdrawn. Now he knows that he will lose if he withdraws. ”
Verstappen leaves it all cold. Nothing can upset the Red Bull star. That too is a result of the father’s upbringing.
“I know that I’m not the easiest, and I asked a lot from Max,” admits Jos Verstappen. “But he could take it all. He’s always been very strong mentally. With many victories, of course, he also built up a lot of self-confidence step by step. And if you believe in yourself so firmly, then it won’t go away either. “
Max Verstappen can provide the next proof this weekend at the Turkish Grand Prix. Overtaking guarantee and crash potential included.
