Max Verstappen responds to theory that he was ‘forced to race’ by father Jos

Max Verstappen remains the youngest F1 driver in history, and his father Jos played a pivotal role in setting up his racing career.

Max Verstappen has disparaged claims that his father – former F1 driver Jos Verstappen – forced him into a life of racing. Instead, the Dutchman detailed how he nagged his parents for a go-kart at the age of four after seeing a younger child driving one.

Verstappen made his F1 debut at the age of 17 after taking the giant leap from the Formula Three championship to join Toro Rosso for the 2015 season. After a crash-littered start, the Dutchman has since established himself as one of the finest racing talents in the world, winning three consecutive Drivers’ Championship crowns.

Many have suggested that it was hard-headed father Jos who forced the young Verstappen into a life of racing, although it is clear to see from the time he spends sim racing and the passion he holds for endurance and GT racing that the 26-year-old lives and breathes motorsport.

Addressing his start to life as a racing driver for M4 Sport, Verstappen explained: “That’s a good story! Most people think, ‘Max was told to be a racer’. At the time I saw a kid younger than me driving. He was three, I was four. I was at the track with my mother because my father was racing.

I told her I wanted to race a go-kart too! She called my dad, who said no and asked me to wait until I was six. But I didn’t budge, and six months later my mother finally convinced my father to buy me a go-kart.

I think it’s very important that parents don’t force anything on you. In general, it’s good for a child to play sports, but it’s up to them to choose what they want to do. That’s what happened to me. If the parents’ will prevails, the child may not enjoy it and, as a professional, may not appreciate what he does enough.”

Jos’ strict parenting style had a positive impact on Verstappen’s career, according to the three-time world champion.

He credits his father for shaping him into the competitive force he is on the race track. Despite the tough upbringing, Verstappen appreciates the influence his father had on his development as a driver. Jos’ approach to parenting has contributed to Verstappen’s success in the sport.

The world champion recognizes the role his father played in shaping his competitive nature. Verstappen acknowledges his father’s influence in making him the formidable competitor he is today. Jos’ tough approach has been instrumental in Verstappen’s career progression.

Verstappen values the impact his father had on his growth as a driver. Despite the strict upbringing, Verstappen is grateful for his father’s guidance. The three-time world champion attributes his success to his father’s influence.

Jos’ parenting style has helped mold Verstappen into the fierce competitor he is on the track. Verstappen acknowledges the significance of his father’s role in his career development. The influence of Jos on Verstappen’s career is evident in his competitive spirit.

Verstappen recognizes the positive impact of his father in shaping his racing skills. Despite his tough upbringing, Verstappen appreciates the lessons his father taught him. Jos’ influence on Verstappen’s career has been essential in his success. Verstappen credits his father for instilling in him the drive to excel in racing.

The impact of Jos’ parenting on Verstappen’s career is undeniable. Every child grows up in their own unique way with different personalities, so Verstappen acknowledged that his father’s approach may not have been effective for everyone.

However, he believed that it was exactly what he needed. Although there were moments of doubt on why his father was always serious and strict, Verstappen now appreciates it.

“As a result of my early training, subsequent experiences such as F3 and my initial years in Formula 1 did not catch me off guard. Transitioning into a high-level sporting environment was effortless for me, thanks to the rigorous upbringing I received from karting to F3.

I was mentally well-equipped to handle Formula 1 and its challenges.”