From F1 to rally: Jos Verstappen amazes co-pilot with his talent
F1 News
- Corwin Kunst
Jos Verstappen, former Formula 1 driver and father of Max Verstappen, is showing that his talent extends beyond permanent racing dedicated tracks. According to his co-pilot, Renaud Jamoul, who drives with Verstappen Sr. in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, Jos has grown into a serious rally contender in a short period of time. Moreover, according to Jamoul, Jos is a completely different person than one sometimes sees on television.
"When we started two years ago, the pace was about 1.2 seconds per kilometre slower than the best Belgian driver," Jamoul told DirtFish. "A year later, we were already fighting for victory. And now we have the pace to compete anywhere in Belgium, even when Jos does a race for the first time. At the Rally of Wallonia last April it was his first time, and from the start he was right on top."
Jamoul emphasizes that Verstappen has enormous talent, but points out that the Dutchman's experience is also essential. "I think he can perform very well even at the highest level, but he will lack the experience. If we were to go to the European Championships, for example, the first year will definitely be difficult. When you first race in Rome, those drivers there have so much more experience," explains Verstappen Sr.'s co-pilot, before issuing yet another vote of confidence for former F1 driver. "But if we drive two years in a row in the European Championship, I think we can even fight for the podium."
According to Jamoul, Jos Verstappen has already managed to surprise him several times. "Jos has the control, the speed and the talent. The only thing he still needs to build up is his knowledge of rally specifics, such as the use of pacenotes. But he learns quickly, and that makes it exciting and fun to work with him," said the 40-year-old Belgian.
Jos Verstappen a 'different person'
Furthermore, the co-pilot feels it is important to correct a misunderstanding. "The Formula 1 media have portrayed him as a bad person, but that is not true at all," he continues. "Jos is great to work with. He is kind to the mechanics, the engineers, the team and to me. He is a real gentleman. [...] He is so different from what you might expect if you only know him from television."
According to Jamoul, Jos' honesty is one of his strengths. "If he doesn't like you, he says it straight to your face. Many people can't handle that, but he is direct and honest. If he makes a mistake while driving, I say it to him in the car. And he says, "I like that. Not many people dare get angry with me, but you do, because I trust you." That open communication is key to their collaboration. "There is nothing we can't say to each other. If I do something wrong, he says it, and vice versa. We both appreciate that."
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica
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