Who is Max Verstappen’s Father? Is He a Formula 1 Champion?

Who is Max Verstappen’s Father? Is He a Formula 1 Champion?

Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen

Dutch driver Max Verstappen has raced well in the 2021 Formula 1 season, especially with the backing and experience of his father Jos Verstappen. Jos has been around to support Max for the entire year, and has been in the docks for every race possible.

The Dutch driver is receiving support from his father, which is a crucial part of his racing. Jos Verstappen was married to Sophie Kumpen, and have two children, Max and Victoria. Max was only two and a half years old when his father Jos Verstappen realised that he may be on his way to become a successful racing driver.

“He was driving all the time. He had a feeling with an engine. Didn’t matter whether it was a quad bike, an electric jeep – you know, the small things for children – or whatever. He was always busy with driving. Every day he needed to be on it,” said Jos according to BBCSports.

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Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen

Is Max Verstappen’s Father a Formula 1 Champion?

Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen
Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen

Johannes Franciscus “Jos” Verstappen has some experience with Formula 1, as he is a former racing driver with a career spanning from 1994- 2003. Verstappen began race carting at the age of 8, and soon started competing on a national level. Later in 1993 he won the Formula 3 world championship.

Verstappen began as a test driver for Benneton in 1994, making his Formula 1 debut alongside Michael Schumacher at the Brazilian Grand Prix. He was replaced and signed by the much experienced Herbert for the next season, as his first year in Formula 1 was rendered a rather unsuccessful one. He then went on the compete for Simtek, Footwork Arrows, Tyrrell, Stewart, Honda and Minardi before he retired from Formula 1 in 2003. Two years after leaving, he competed for Netherlands at the A1 Grand Prix series.

In 2008, Verstappen also took part in the 24 hours of Le Mans, and won the LMP2 class. He also participated in the 2009 24 hours of Le Mans representing Lola-Aston Martin. Unfortunately, he never found the same success Formula 1, and did not become world champion. Yet it is his dream to see Max Verstappen be world Champion, which could be a possibility in the coming days.

Also read: Messages between teams and FIA should not be broadcasted: McLaren team principal