Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, has gained notoriety for employing controversial parenting techniques during his son’s formative years as a racing driver. Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver who once shared the track with the iconic [Driver’s Name], has often been regarded as a stern figure, resorting to extreme measures in his approach towards his child. However, Max Verstappen has recently refuted a significant allegation concerning his early career.
There have been widespread speculations suggesting that Jos Verstappen coerced his son into kart racing during his childhood, driven by his desire to see Max Verstappen become a Formula 1 world champion. When questioned about this matter in an interview, the 26-year-old put an end to this urban legend. Max Verstappen revealed that it was actually his own initiative, as he implored his mother to acquire a go-kart for him when he was approximately three years old. However, his father informed the young Dutchman that he would have to wait until his sixth birthday.
Despite this, Max Verstappen persisted in persuading his parents to purchase a go-kart for him. Eventually, his mother, Kumpen, managed to convince her husband, and the couple procured the future Formula 1 champion his very first go-kart. From that point on, history was made as the Dutch driver would go on to establish himself as one of the most accomplished racers in the sport’s annals.
The three-time world champion emphasized the importance of allowing children to pursue their own interests rather than imposing one’s own desires upon them. Max Verstappen acknowledged that sports can be a beneficial activity for young children. Nevertheless, he stressed that it should be the child’s prerogative to choose a sport that resonates with them, rather than being coerced into a specific field by their family.
Despite the unconventional methods employed by Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen maintains a strong bond with his father. However, the 51-year-old resorted to drastic measures in order to instill certain lessons in his son. On one occasion, Jos Verstappen left the young Dutchman stranded at a gas station when he was only 14 years old, as a consequence of losing a race. The former Formula 1 driver continues to defend his parenting techniques to this day.
Undoubtedly, Max Verstappen still maintains a positive relationship with his father. However, the tensions between him and Jos Verstappen are proving to be a source of difficulty for the 26-year-old at Red Bull. As the team’s boss is currently under investigation for inappropriate behavior, the situation in Milton Keynes remains uncertain as the weeks progress.