Jos Verstappen praises ‘outspoken’ Max after Red Bull obstacles

Jos Verstappen has praised his son, Max Verstappen, for being “outspoken” this year en-route to a fourth consecutive F1 drivers’ title. 

The Red Bull driver battled several obstacles both on and off the circuit in 2024, yet still claimed a fourth championship with two races to go. 

Many have argued that Verstappen’s fourth title is his best, given how poor the RB20 was for the second half of the season.

On top of that, the 27-year-old had to deal with multiple senior Red Bull departures, including Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley. 

In addition, he had to navigate the investigation earlier this year into Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, which resulted in allegations being dismissed. 

Verstappen worked his way through it all, as well as his community service from the FIA and online criticism for his Mexico City clashes with Lando Norris. 

His father, Jos, is not surprised that the reigning world champion dealt with all the situations in his stride.

“Very clever actually,” Jos told Formule1.nl. “He has himself well under control and is just very stable in that respect. 

“He also doesn’t care much about what is said and written about him. He hears and sees it all, but it doesn’t affect him. 

“Of course, he is also constantly questioned about all kinds of things and therefore has to know what is going on. 

“But I think Max always deals with that very well. He is in a good position and is mentally very strong.”

Jos and Max think alike

Compared to others on the F1 grid, Red Bull’s lead driver has a reputation for speaking his mind. 

Verstappen is brutally honest with the media, a trait Jos believes he shares with his son. 

However, the key difference, outlined by Jos himself, is that Max deals with everything in a more controlled manner.

“I always give Max my opinion, how I see things. But I don’t really have to do that, we think pretty much the same,” Jos revealed.

“Max is not much different than me, how we think about things. He’s just neater, calmer and a bit more balanced.

“Fortunately Max is outspoken and says what he thinks. I like that. And I think it’s great in this sport. 

“Look around you, not everyone does that. Many drivers beat around the bush and don’t say what they think. Max is an open book.”