Jos Verstappen: Of course, we want to win everything

Max and Jos Verstappen share an inseparable bond, with the elder Verstappen preparing his son for the demands of Formula 1 from an early age. That preparation culminated in Max’s debut on 15 March 2015, when he became the youngest driver to start a Grand Prix.

Nevertheless, Verstappen senior is very much involved in his son's management team, proffering advice, commenting to media and the like. However, the involvement is far less than when Jos dedicated his life and time to Max's pre-F1 racing career.

Jos, who made his own F1 debut at the 1994 Brazilian Grand Prix, has gradually extracted himself from Max's 'corner' and turned his personal focus to rallying while keeping well in touch with matters on race weekends, no matter where he is.

Speaking on the Op De Rallykoffie podcast, Verstappen senior explained how his involvement with Max has evolved: "Of course, I am still involved with Max. It’s less than before, but in the early years of his career, I gave him direction, even in Formula 1, and that has worked out.

"Now, he is old and wise enough to handle things himself. But I think I am still the one who tells him honestly what is going well and what isn’t—and he appreciates that too."

"I think everyone needs that to some extent. I always have his best interests at heart, and of course, we want to win everything. Criticism is part of that. And besides rallying, that’s actually my life. Everything revolves around racing," explained Jos.

Verstappen junior, aka 27-year-old Red Bull ace Max, embarks on his 11th season in Formula 1. He will make his 210th start in the top flight on 16 March at the Australian Grand Prix. The Dutchman has owned the number one plate for four years as an F1 world champion, and aims to make it five in '25.