Jos Verstappen, a prominent figure in the world of motorsport, has left an indelible mark on Formula One both as a driver and as the father of current F1 star Max Verstappen. Born on March 4, 1972, in Montfort, Netherlands, Jos began his racing career in karting before making the jump to single-seaters. His talent quickly became apparent, and he progressed through the ranks, eventually reaching Formula One.
Jos Verstappen made his F1 debut in 1994 with Benetton, where he partnered with Michael Schumacher, who would go on to become one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history. Despite showing promise and scoring two podium finishes that season, Jos’s career in Formula One was marked by frequent team changes and inconsistent results. Over the course of his F1 career, he raced for teams such as Simtek, Arrows, Tyrrell, Stewart, and Minardi. His best result came in the 1994 season when he finished third at the Hungarian and Belgian Grands Prix.
After his stint in Formula One, Jos continued to compete in various other racing series, including endurance racing and the Le Mans 24 Hours. His passion for racing never waned, and he remained involved in the sport, eventually turning his focus to nurturing his son’s career.
Max Verstappen, under the guidance and mentorship of his father, rapidly ascended the ranks of motorsport. Jos’s experience and insights were invaluable as Max transitioned from karting to single-seaters and ultimately to Formula One, where he made history by becoming the youngest driver to start a race and the youngest race winner.
Jos Verstappen’s legacy extends beyond his own achievements on the track. His dedication and commitment to supporting Max have played a crucial role in shaping one of the most talented and exciting drivers in modern Formula One. While Jos may no longer be racing, his influence on the sport continues through the success of his son, ensuring that the Verstappen name remains synonymous with excellence in motorsport.
