Jos Verstappen’s strict parenting style has been credited with molding his son Max Verstappen into what many describe as the Max Verstappen biggest beast F1 has ever seen, while also raising him as a gentleman. This blend of fierce competitiveness on the track and respectful demeanor off it has set Max apart in the sport.
Gino Rosato, a longstanding Ferrari insider and close friend of the Verstappen family, highlighted Jos’ demanding methods as essential to Max’s rise. Rosato also noted his close ties with the family, recalling their shared connections dating back to when Max was a child.
Jos’ tough upbringing methods and their role in Max’s development
Since Max’s early days in Formula 1, Jos Verstappen’s approach to his son’s career has drawn both criticism and admiration. One frequently cited example of Jos’ firmness was when Max was left behind at a petrol station during their karting days, a moment often viewed as harsh parenting. However, Jos clarified the story later, explaining that the two simply did not speak to each other for a week after that event rather than a punitive abandonment.
In a documentary on Max’s career, Jos addressed these critiques directly, emphasizing the intent behind his strictness.
“I never abused him, I was teaching him. I was hard on him, and that was also the plan [for him], to learn, to think. A lot of people have no idea what you have to do to arrive to the top of a sport.”
—Jos Verstappen
Rosato, who witnessed Jos’s career firsthand including his time as Michael Schumacher’s teammate at Benetton, described Jos as an old-school, honest figure whose tough demeanor helped forge Max’s competitive edge.
“Jos is a pure, pure thug. Don’t f**k around with Jos. He’s a pure guy. He’s an honest guy. He’s old school, and what are you gonna tell him? ‘You did bad’?
You created the biggest beast on the face of Formula 1, or one of them, for sure.
You put s**t in the garden, the flowers grow.
And he made a gentleman. He made a great driver. But with old work ethics.”
—Gino Rosato
This old-school mentality, imposing high standards and tough love, is seen by Rosato as an approach that is rare among parents today.
“I think this is what this world has lost a little now,
he said.
I think when I see people being parents today, they’re just babying all the time. And ‘Oh, what does he need?’
“Jos doesn’t come from that school. ‘F**king figure it out. Let’s go. You want to be the best? This is what it takes’.”
—Gino Rosato
Insights into Max Verstappen’s character and reputation on and off the track
Despite facing scrutiny for his father’s parenting style, Max’s achievements underscore the effectiveness of Jos’ guidance. At just 27 years old, Max has already secured four world championship titles, proving his resilience and skill. Rosato noted that critics often overlook the humanity behind Max’s competitive exterior, emphasizing his genuine nature.
“When you’re on top, they’re all aiming at you. You did this. They’re all looking for their particulars,”
Rosato acknowledged.
Comparing Max to Kimi Raikkonen, who is also connected to the Verstappens, Rosato reflected on Max’s more outgoing personality and quick responsiveness.
“But, let’s be honest, after Michael, he’s been the best driver hands down. But then you see them off track.
Max is extremely similar to Kimi [Raikkonen]. He’s a bit more spicy, a bit more open-minded than he is. Kimi will suffer in silence, maybe lash out once in a while.
But I could text Max right now, and he’s gonna answer me back within two minutes. That’s the same thing with Jos. These guys don’t come here, measuring people by the money or what you’re gonna bring them.
They’re just pure nice people doing their job, creating a family story with a father helping out a kid and teaching him, ‘This is the real world’.”
—Gino Rosato
The toughness expected from the Verstappen family, particularly Jos, was also discussed by Max’s business manager Raymond Vermeulen in the documentary Anatomy of a Champion.
“Sometimes I said, ‘Jos, you’re from a different planet’,”
Vermeulen said.
Jos’s response, as conveyed by Vermeulen, was pragmatic and determined.
“I know, but we have to do it like this to be successful. End of story.”
“I think Jos did everything with the right intention because he knew that Max was very gifted. He did it with all the love and all the passion. And he knew that route to success was a hard route.”
—Raymond Vermeulen
Jos Verstappen’s pride in Max’s growth as both a champion and a person
Jos himself has expressed great pride in the man Max has become, highlighting his son’s balance between being fiercely competitive on the track and considerate off it. Jos described Max’s straightforward nature and willingness to stand by his beliefs as key aspects of his personality.
“He is not arrogant, but direct,”
Jos said.
He also reflected on Max’s approach to role models and public behavior.
“Yes, always standing up for yourself was part of my upbringing.
We always talk about role models for young people. I ask now: What is more of a role model? If you act behind people’s backs or openly say what you think and always stand by your personal values?
I can only say: How Max behaves in public, how he bluntly says his opinion – that makes me just as extremely proud of my son as his sporting successes. Many people don’t know the real Max. On the track, he is unconditionally aggressive, and he has to be.”
—Jos Verstappen
In contrast to his on-track ruthlessness, Jos described Max off the track as calm and balanced.
“But in private, he is a calm, extremely balanced, friendly soul. Someone who wants harmony and who listens carefully and then draws his conclusions.”
—Jos Verstappen
This personal depth adds to Max Verstappen’s reputation not only as F1’s fiercest competitor but also as an admirable figure who maintains strong family values and humility.
