Verstappen to follow in father Jos' footsteps? 'I don't think so'
Red Bull Contentpool
F1 News
Jos Verstappen has a packed rally schedule this year, competing in around 19 races across the Belgian and European rally championships. But does he think his son, Max Verstappen, will ever follow in his footsteps and take on rally racing?
Max Verstappen as a rally driver?
Verstappen will be away from home an awful lot in 2025 to compete in rally races. "Ten years ago, I didn't think I would drive so many rallies. But I just need this, enjoy it immensely," Verstappen said in a conversation with De Telegraaf. "Whether such a rally is something for Max? No, not at the moment. I don't think he's interested right now either. But I am sure that if he starts doing this, he will be sold."
For Jos, the rally world itself is a breath of fresh air compared to Formula 1. "In this world, there is no hassle with the press, it's all very minimal. There is hardly any politics. It's just fun," explains the 52-year-old Limburger. He also likes the format of the competitions: "You have a test each time and then you have to recharge. This way, I have an adrenaline rush 12 times in one day. In Formula 1, you only have that once actually, right before the start. That's what makes this so beautiful."
Jos Verstappen, who only took up rallying a few years ago, didn’t expect to reach the top so quickly. What started as a hobby has now turned into a serious pursuit for the former F1 driver, with a clear goal for 2025: winning the championship. He’s already off to a strong start, securing a dominant victory at the Rally of Haspengouw—the opening round of the Belgian Rally Championship—alongside navigator Renaud Jamoul.
This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder
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