Jos Verstappen Declines Racing with Son Max, Citing Age and Performance Concerns

Jos Verstappen has decided not to race alongside his son, Max Verstappen, due to age and performance concerns. This announcement comes amidst much speculation about a potential father-son team-up in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Key Takeaways:

• Jos Verstappen’s Decision: Despite a distinguished career, including 107 Grands Prix and two podium finishes, Jos feels he is “too old” to compete with his son, Max.
• Performance Concerns: Jos is apprehensive about racing with Max, fearing he might be up to 1.5 seconds slower per lap, which could lead to dissatisfaction for both.
• Impact on Potential Team-Ups: This decision significantly diminishes the prospects of the Verstappens teaming up for races, particularly the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is a race Max has shown interest in.

Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver with a commendable record, has recently addressed the idea of racing alongside his son, Max Verstappen, a current F1 sensation. Despite Max’s enthusiasm for a joint venture on the racetrack, Jos has expressed serious reservations. His decision is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the rigors and demands of top-level racing, influenced by his extensive experience in Formula 1 and rally driving.

In a detailed discussion with PlanetF1, Jos Verstappen shared his thoughts on the matter.

“[The level Max] puts in, it’s something crazy. That’s why I’m feeling too old to do that. I know him. I know how I was when I was that young. If he races and competes in different categories, he wants to win as well. To drive it as an old man who’s maybe one to 1.5 seconds too slow. He doesn’t like that. And I wouldn’t like that.”

Jos elaborated further:

“[He wouldn’t be] angry, but he’d say ‘Come on, Dad!’ I know that it’s like that, and I know he doesn’t like it and I don’t like it. So better not to do it.”

The 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that has piqued Max’s ambition, could have presented an opportunity for the father-son pair to race together. However, Jos’s recent statements suggest that such a collaboration is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future. Although Jos seems uninterested in the idea, the prospect of seeing Max tackle the challenging race remains a tantalizing thought for many racing enthusiasts. This decision, while disappointing to some fans, underscores the reality of professional racing’s demanding nature and the physical challenges it presents, even to seasoned veterans like Jos Verstappen.