Jos Verstappen’s parenting has been heavily debated (Image: Getty)
has moved to ‘clear up’ a story that has been cemented in F1 folklore, denying that he ever abandoned his son, Max, at a motorway service station following a difficult karting race.
Verstappen Snr, who achieved two podiums while driving for Benetton in 1994, was extremely harsh on his son throughout his junior career, pushing him to the absolute limit. This paid off in the long term, and Verstappen Jnr went on to become the youngest F1 driver in history and eventually a four-time world champion.
However, Verstappen Snr received plenty of criticism after his son revealed a brutal story from his karting days. “My dad said, ‘Stop talking, I don’t want to hear anything, just sit in the back, I don’t want to hear anything about it,” the driver told ESPN.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“But of course, I kept on trying to have a conversation until, at one point, he pulled off at a fuel station and said: ‘Get out. Get out, and I do not want to hear you anymore’. So he kicked me out and he drove off … and this is in the south of Italy.” Verstappen Jnr added: “It was a hard lesson. But I think it was a good one at the end.”
In an interview with F1 Insider, Verstappen Snr sought to clarify the true circumstances surrounding the story. He said: “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 One. That’s why dealing with Helmut Marko, who is also known as an extremely tough guy, didn’t bother him anymore.
Don’t miss…
Max Verstappen is now a four-time world champion (Image: Getty)
“He also appreciates the fact that we kept training with the kart on dry tyres on a wet track. I only sense gratitude from him when it comes to his childhood with me.”
Now, the four-time world champion is bracing to become a father himself. The 27-year-old announced that he and partner Kelly Piquet would be having their first child together ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
More F1… [UPDATE]
Verstappen has already been helping to raise Piquet’s first child, Penelope, who is the daughter of former driver Daniil Kvyat. “It’s perfectly normal that my son is now standing on his own two feet as a father,” Jos said when asked about his son’s life as a family man.
Addressing the pregnancy, he added: “My daughter Victoria already has three children. I am really happy, of course, and hope that everything will go well. It’s a good fit. I was 26 when I became a father for the first time with him, he is now 27. There are certain parallels.”