Max Verstappen has etched his name in the annals of Formula 1 as one of her greatest champions. But with the Dutch lion, respect isn’t the only thing that crosses his competitor’s minds. It’s that sense of helplessness and fear that plagues them every time they go up against him. While Verstappen will no doubt be reveling in the glory of his success now, the journey to the very top of F1 was never that appealing.

It’s no secret that Verstappen was brought up the hard way. His father, Jos Verstappen, was an ex-F1 driver who though, he had potential, never really fulfilled it. Maybe that’s why he wanted his son to become the best there ever was. And boy, did he do a good job at it!

Max Verstappen was dialed in to win

According to ex-Red Bull junior, Jaime Alguersuari, the process of making him into the champion that he is today sapped all the joy away from Verstappen’s formative years. That being said, the Bulls endorsed it as he became the driver who finally bought Lewis Hamilton‘s reign of terror to an end.

Alguersuari was quoted by AS.com as saying, “He was trained like this, there was no happiness. They pushed him so hard that they ended up making him a perfect driver. It’s not a figure of speech. His father used violence when Max didn’t win in karting. It’s an amazing thing, because if you see it today you think it’s a wild thing to do, but that’s how it happened.”

Trending

MET Gala 2024: Travis Kelce Left Awestruck as Lewis Hamilton Steals the Show With Black History- Inspired Look On the Red Carpet

May 07, 2024 10:04 AM EDT

“This Is a Joke Right?”: Rebecca Donaldson and Alexandra Saint Mleux’s Endorsement of F1 Academy Leaves Fans Fuming

May 04, 2024 08:09 PM EDT

After GF Alexandra Saint Mleux Gets Mistaken as Future Wife, Charles Leclerc Debuts His Son Leo at the Miami GP

May 07, 2024 08:19 PM EDT

F1 Fans Slam Insecure Fernando Alonso For Playing Race Card Against Lewis Hamilton in Miami

May 04, 2024 08:52 PM EDT

Lando Norris’ Rumored GF Magui Caught ”Keeping an Eye” Despite 3000 Miles Separating The Lovebirds

May 05, 2024 01:30 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“It was a very strict, very disciplined system, and Red Bull liked it.” [translated via Google Translate]

Sergio Perez Dubbed to Put Red Bull’s Invaluable Tradition to Shame by Driving Alongside Max Verstappen

Verstappen Sr.’s reputation may precede him, but his presence does bring a certain competitiveness to the team as well.

Christian Horner reveals Jos Verstappen’s real personality

Jos Verstappen’s personality and temperament have been polarizing for many. And that was exactly the same impression. Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner was given before he entered the garage as part of Max Verstappen’s entourage.

However, the Brit quickly changed his mind. Horner once told Martin Brundle, “I had heard terrible stories about Jos before he came to the team, but I must say he has been very valuable. He never caused any problems within the team.”

WATCH THIS STORY | Will Max Verstappen Retire Early from F1?

Was Verstappen’s childhood a necessary evil for his F1 success?