Jos Verstappen reprimanded his son for harsh comments

Before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Max Verstappen openly expressed his attitude to the unprecedented hype that accompanied the pre-race preparation period, saying that it was all 99% show and only 1% was left for the sport. Max’s words did not please his father, Jos Verstappen.

While many people appreciate the sincerity and directness of the three-time world champion, Verstappen Sr. that Max could formulate his estimates more softly. However, the 26-year-old driver is also understandable and he will not remain silent if what he sees contradicts his ideas about what Formula 1 should be.

“As a child I experienced emotions related to motorsport, I was fascinated by it, and not by the elements of the show. I’m a racer and all this hype doesn’t bother me at all,” said Max.

But the Las Vegas Grand Prix was extremely important for Liberty Media, the championship’s host, and Jos Verstappen hinted it was worth taking into account.

“I think he can express his opinion, but in this specific case it was worth formulating something softer,” says the former Formula 1 driver in an interview with De Telegraaf. – I told him about this directly – sometimes he also needs criticism. But I think we have to take into account that many were already quite tired at the end of the season.

However, you saw how Max loves racing. I can understand his opinion, but you shouldn’t just criticize everything.”

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, is well aware of this character trait of his driver, but noted that Verstappen softened his tone somewhat after the victory in Las Vegas: “Max is very straightforward, although he could probably have been more diplomatic express. . But now he has corrected himself, and I have no doubt that the organizers are happy with him.

We must also not forget that we have reached the end of the season, everyone is tired, all team members are suffering from jet lag and everyone already has bags under their eyes.”