Jos Verstappen declares Max Verstappen the ‘only social guy’ off track in F1

Jos Verstappen didn't hesitate to declare that Max Verstappen was the only social guy off the track in Formula 1.

Jos Verstappen declares Max Verstappen the ‘only social guy’ off track in F1

Max Verstappen and Jos Verstappen (Via IMAGO)

The Formula 1 drivers showcase a friendly demeanor towards one another off-track despite rivalries on the grid. However, a majority of the drivers fake the good relationship and resent one another off the track. Max Verstappen despite being infamous for his cold and straightforward attitude is surprisingly the ‘only social guy’ off the grid according to his father Jos Verstappen.

Speaking about the relationship between the Formula 1 drivers, Jos Verstappen reckoned that most of them got along well with one another. Moreover, Verstappen Sr. recalled that a majority of the drivers knew each other since their early karting days. The Dutchman highlighted that over ten guys on the grid right now raced alongside Max Verstappen in the junior categories.

I do have the impression that most of the guys who are on the grid now get along well off the track. Most of them have known each other for a long time, from karting. There are about ten guys he has always karted with.

Jos Verstappen told Formule1.nl

Despite having personal lives outside of Formula 1, the drivers were still somewhat close to one another due to racing together in the past. However, Verstappen Sr. didn’t hesitate to declare that Verstappen Jr. was the only social guy off the track who was nice and normal to everyone. The 52-year-old noted that relationships between drivers were different back then.

So they are a bit closer to each other, but everyone has their own life and does their own thing. Only, Max is a social guy off the track and is nice and normal to everyone. In my time, the relationships between drivers were quite different.

Jos Verstappen noted

Jos Verstappen didn’t have ‘any friends’ during his time in Formula 1

Jos Verstappen much like his son was also a tough racer to deal with in the past in Formula 1. The Dutchman recalled that he didn’t have many friends during his time in the sport, unlike Max Verstappen. The people weren’t as close to keeping in touch with one another apart from racing on the grid.

Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

If I look at my time in Formula 1: I didn’t have any friends. At least not in a way that I kept in touch with them afterwards. Not at all. I choose my friends myself.

Jos Verstappen added

Verstappen Jr. will focus on his performance despite the issues going on around the paddock. The 27-year-old has showcased utmost maturity during difficult scenarios. Moreover, the coming times will help the Dutchman grow better not only as a human but also as a person.