Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has spoken about the crucial role his father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, played in shaping his career and helping him reach the top of motorsport.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing ESPN, the Red Bull driver acknowledged that his father's guidance had a profound influence on both his racing skills and personal development.
"He had a huge influence on me. He taught me a lot about racing in general. He also explained how important it is to stay true to yourself," Verstappen said.
The Dutch driver admitted that achieving his remarkable success would have been extremely difficult without his father's support and dedication.
"Without him, I definitely don't think I would be where I am today, or at least I wouldn't have achieved what I have achieved. I owe a lot to my father, and I'm very proud of the journey we've been through together," he added.
Verstappen also emphasized that his father's approach to preparing him for the challenges of professional racing helped him develop the mental resilience required to compete at the highest level.
"He prepared me to always stay strong, not let things affect me too much, and be able to deal with any situation," the Red Bull star explained.
It is worth noting that Jos Verstappen competed in Formula 1 between 1994 and 2003, making 107 Grand Prix starts. After his own racing career, he played a central role in developing his son's talent, particularly during Max's early years in karting.
Max Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut in 2015 at the age of 17, becoming the youngest driver in the championship's history. He went on to win four consecutive world titles from 2021 to 2024, establishing himself as one of the leading drivers of his generation.
