Verstappen: My Dad would be a really, really good team principal

Speaking during the current race weekend, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion Verstappen of his father Jos, told Motorsport-Total: “I think he would be a really, really good team principal. Although I don’t think he wants to be one.”

Verstappen then explained why he considers his father ideally suited for the job: “It’s his knowledge of racing, tuning, and the setup of cars and karts. He taught me that from a young age. That has definitely made me the person I am today. It’s not just about driving a car fast, it’s about knowing about the car.”

For Verstappen, his father’s strength lies not only in his experience as a driver but also in his deep technical insight: “It’s his understanding of the car, of the parts on the car, and how to make things faster. I still discuss so many things with him. For him in his rally car, for me in the Formula 1 car, and also for my GT3 team.”

Verstappen senior has been competing in the Belgian Rally Championship for several years, maintaining his passion for motorsport long after his own F1 career ended to tend to his son. He might've carried on in Sportscars or DTM where drivers made good money and also found fame.

But it was his selflessness, Max said, that defined his father most: “The years he sacrificed when I started racing, all the way up to Formula 1. He basically put his own career on hold and gave 110 percent for me. I have never seen anyone so dedicated to giving their son the best opportunities. Not only by providing the best equipment, but by fine-tuning the equipment themselves."

Asked if such a role for Jos had ever been discussed, Verstappen smiled: “I think at the end of the day, competing in so many races also has to do with family.” He then acknowledged the leadership of his current team boss: “First of all, I’m very happy with the team principal I have,” referring to Laurent Mekies.

Still, Verstappen made clear that his praise was sincere of his Dad: “He could definitely be a good team principal at any level, from karting all the way to the top.”

Jos remains a trusted advisor in his son’s career, often seen at circuits but preferring to stay out of the spotlight. Max explained: “We discuss many things. He’s there in the background. He advises me, helps me with certain things. When I need to figure things out, whether it’s for Formula 1 or GT3s, it’s just incredibly helpful to have him. He also has so many contacts all over the world.”

When asked if his father still gives him driving advice, Verstappen joked: “Probably if I were getting into a rally car. But otherwise, no. It’s not like he tells me where to brake or turn in. But we still talk about everything during a race weekend and what I do or don’t do with the car.”