Jos Verstappen recalls Michael Schumacher treated Max Verstappen like his own son

Michael Schumacher's bond with Jos Verstappen was a close one, the German even treated Max Verstappen like his own son.

Jos Verstappen recalls Michael Schumacher treated Max Verstappen like his own son

Max Verstappen, Jos Verstappen and Michael Schumacer, images via IMAGO and Getty

Max Verstappen is often regarded as the Michael Schumacher of the contemporary era. The Dutchman has snubbed away multiple records from the German’s arsenal. However, their connection dates way back to when Verstappen was merely a kid, and the 56-year-old used to treat the young Dutchman like his own son, as asserted by his father Jos Verstappen.

Michael Schumacher made his debut in 1991 but quickly soared headlines and was snubbed away by Benetton. Here, the German partnered up with Jos Verstappen in his first title-winning season and established a great relationship with him. Though the pair split apart after the 1994 season, their bond remained resilient and they continued spending time with each other’s families.

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Both the drivers were also fathers and hung out together. Subsequently, the 52-year-old brought his son to the paddock one day and it was the first time that Schumacher and young Max Verstappen had met each other.

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Verstappen Sr. revealed how welcoming Schumacher was of his son. He asserted that the seven-time champion treated the mini Dutchman like his own son. In turn, it also acted as a lesson for the Red Bull driver to incorporate later in his life as a racing driver.

Michael didn’t differentiate between Max and Mick. if he had something to say, he told them both. it’s quite possible that max also benefited from these experiences. Max has a lot in common with Michael: uncompromising on the racetrack, but kind, sensitive and caring as a private person.

Jos Verstappen said (via F1 Insider)

On the other hand, the 27-year-old has grown to become a record-breaker. He has amassed multiple records in his decade-long F1 journey and would now want to match Schumacher’s record for most consecutive world championships won by a driver.

Jos Verstappen clears the air around training techniques for Max Verstappen

While the German treated the Dutchman like his own son, Jos Verstappen took up questionable ways to make his kid follow a strict regime. This earned him criticism from all over the paddock, but he remains adamant that he has done the right things.

Jos Verstappen and Red Bull's Max Verstappen
Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

The 52-year-old subsequently offered a clarification for the measures he took up. He was assertive that such actions kept his son in line to achieve the bigger goal.

I think it’s time to clear up that story. The truth is: I didn’t leave him there. I just didn’t speak to him for a week. Was that too harsh? Not according to Max. He felt that my attitude had prepared him better for Formula 1. That’s why dealing with Helmut Marko, who is also known as an extremely tough guy, didn’t bother him anymore. He also appreciates the fact that we kept training with the kart on dry tires on a wet track. I only sense gratitude from him when it comes to his childhood with me.

Jos Verstappen said (via F1 Insider)

Anyhow, the father-son duo’s relationship is now reckoned to be in a healthy condition. Though Verstappen Sr. still holds his son accountable for his mistakes, they don’t have a major fallout like the infamous gas station incident that often circulates in fans’ minds.