Max Verstappen has been dominating Formula 1 for years, while his dad Jos found joy in rallying.
In an interview, Jos Verstappen shared how he got into rallying and why Max’s dream of racing Le Mans with him might not happen.
Jos spent years training Max, who now leads F1. This reignited Jos’s passion for racing, leading him to become a regular podium finisher in the Belgian Rally Championship (BRC).
“A lot has obviously happened in the meantime and I have gained the necessary experience. It’s more professional now and we have the car in better shape. I also have a better co-pilot. We try to make progress every time,” said Jos.
Both Verstappens Learn Fast:
At first, Jos struggled with his co-pilot’s instructions but has since improved. “In the beginning that was the most difficult, but nowadays that goes automatically. Renaud (Jamoul) talks to me, but I don’t have to think about that anymore. So I can focus more on driving the car,” he explained.
Now a top contender in BRC, Jos doesn’t feel the need to move up. “We are competing for prizes, that’s what makes it fun. I don’t drive around lost because then the fun does pass quickly. I have no ambitions to drive WRC; that’s too time-consuming for me. We look at what are nice rallies and I like a trip abroad now and then.”
No More Le Mans?
Even though rally races in Belgium take less time, they still require effort. “Think of making notes and learning from them, watching your own videos and those of competitors. In addition, the car also has to be prepared every time. Fortunately, that is manageable because the team knows what is needed, but they still spend one or two days getting everything ready,” Jos revealed.
Jos loves rallying so much that he won’t return to Le Mans. “No. I like rallying. Let the young men drive Le Mans; I like rally much more,” he concluded, dashing Max’s hopes of racing together someday.
Fans might find this news surprising given their shared passion for motorsport.
Do you think Jos should give Le Mans another shot?
