Jos Verstappen refutes common Max belief
Jos Verstappen has defended son Max Verstappen over his public perception, arguing he is “just as proud” of his son for how he behaves in public as he is for any sporting success he attains.
The 27-year-old, who has won four drivers’ championships, has ruffled feathers in the F1 paddock over the duration of his 10-year career in the series – for his conduct both on track and off.
Sometimes perceived as arrogant for his matter-of-fact approach in the media, his father refutes such suggestions. Instead, the Dutchman believes his son is just direct.
Verstappen Senior places a premium on maintaining “personal values” and feels that much of his son’s communication style is a result of his own upbringing.
“I think so,” Verstappen Sr. told German publication F1 Insider when asked if that were the case. “He’s not arrogant, he’s direct.
“Yes, always being true to myself was part of my upbringing. We always talk about role models for young people. I’m asking now: What is more of a role model?
“When you play the actor behind the scenes or when you openly say what you think and always stand by your personal values?
“All I can say is: the way Max behaves in public, the way he speaks his mind bluntly – that makes me just as proud of my son as his sporting successes.”
‘Unconditionally aggressive’ Verstappen is different in private
One of the harshest criticisms levied against the younger Verstappen is that he too often goes over the line of acceptability on track.
He conceded there may be some truth to that notion at the end of last season, but insisted it was sometimes necessary, in order to come out on top.
This was the case at the Mexico City Grand Prix, when despite multiple time penalties and finishing well down the order from Lando Norris, in preventing the McLaren driver from competing for victory he successfully minimised the potential points deficit over the weekend.
In his father’s eyes, Verstappen is “unconditionally aggressive” when racing. This, coupled with his son’s direct manner in public, may be the root cause of what he explains is the wrong perception of the 63-time grand prix winner.
“Many people don’t know the real Max,” the 52-year-old stated before describing what the Red Bull driver is like behind the scenes.
“He is unconditionally aggressive on the track, and he has to be. But in private he is a calm, extremely even-tempered, friendly soul.
“Someone who wants harmony and who listens carefully and then draws his conclusions. You should know that…”
