Not many children have the good fortune of having a parent who has driven in F1. Max Verstappen not only had that fortune, but he followed in his dad’s footsteps to become an F1 driver himself. However, it was not at all an easy task for the double-world champion to train with his father.

The harsh and ruthless training regime that Jos Verstappen made his son follow is pretty popular. Both he and Max have been pretty vocal about the same. However, all the hard work put in by both of them eventually yielded rich dividends as Verstappen won his 2nd successive title this year.

Jos couldn’t have been prouder of his son, just as he was when all the hype and spotlight shined on a teenage Max in his debut season in F1. Moreover, in an old video, Jos also explained the difference in the driving style and who was more aggressive between the father-son duo.

Jos Verstappen stated, “I must say I’ve been also out on the track, and looks very smooth. I think those days, those Formula 1 cars need to be smooth and save tires, be gentle on them and that is what he is doing.”

The veteran of 106 F1 races further continued, “I think I was more of a aggressive driver. But I think at that point, you could do also that kind of driving style and I think nowadays, it doesn’t work. I mean it works, but for 1-2 laps and I think every driver, they have to adapt to the circumstances.”

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Jos was once the teammate of the great Michael Schumacher at Benetton. He would hope for his son to follow the German legend’s footsteps and create his own legacy like the 7-time champion.

Max Verstappen “needed” his father Jos’ tough treatment during his younger days

Not many people could have withstood what Max did during his younger years. The result is now clearly reaping its rewards, as Verstappen is now the man to beat on the circuit. Moreover, Max has opened up about his father’s harsh treatment and acknowledged the fact he needed it.

“I mean, it sounds horrible,” Max told GQ. “Like, some people probably cannot deal with that kind of behaviour, but I needed it. I was that type of character, probably, who needed this kind of treatment.” 

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He continued, “Of course, from the outside, it sounds sometimes a bit harsh. But I’m very happy that I had that kind of treatment.” The Dutchman concluded, “And I need that kind of push.”

Max is entering the peak of his career, and if he keeps performing at last year’s high level, there aren’t many racers on the grid who can stop the Dutch Lion from dominating.

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Verstappen will look to defend his crown from Lewis Hamilton and others next year. Can the Red Bull driver win 3 championships in a row?