The Making of Max Verstappen

On this edition of Talking Bull, fresh from his win at Silverstone we have an exclusive chat with Max Verstappen and his legendary father Jos Verstappen. We go all the way back to the karting days, talk to Jos about how he motivates Max and find out why he once left him at a service station after a race!

**Title: Jos and Max Verstappen: A Father-Son Racing Legacy**

**Introduction:**

In this special edition of the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing podcast, "Talking Bull," Nicola Hume hosts a captivating conversation between Jos and Max Verstappen, a legendary racing driver and his son, who has surpassed his father's record for Formula One race starts. The podcast delves into their unique journey, exploring the dynamics of their relationship, the impact Jos had on Max's career, and their perspectives on the current state of Formula One.

**Jos Verstappen's Racing Career:**

Jos Verstappen, a former Formula One driver, competed from 1994 to 2003. He shares his experiences as a racing driver, highlighting standout moments from his career, including his participation in the Malaysian Grand Prix.

**Max Verstappen's Early Years:**

Max Verstappen recalls his childhood, growing up with a racing driver father. He describes how he perceived Jos not as a Formula One driver but as his dad. Max's early involvement in go-karting, starting at the age of four and a half, is discussed, emphasizing his passion for racing from a young age.

**Jos Verstappen's Role as Max's Mentor:**

Jos Verstappen played a pivotal role in Max's racing career, serving as his kart engineer, engine kitter, and father. He dedicated himself to preparing Max for success, meticulously setting up chassis and engines, ensuring Max had the best equipment to compete.

**Max Verstappen's Focus on Schoolwork:**

Despite his intense involvement in racing, Max acknowledges the importance of education. He explains how he balanced his racing commitments with schoolwork, acknowledging the challenges of keeping up with his studies while traveling frequently.

**The Verstappen Family's Racing Setup:**

The podcast sheds light on the Verstappen family's professional racing setup at home. Jos Verstappen describes the extensive preparations they undertook, including dyno testing engines and meticulously setting up chassis, to ensure Max was well-prepared for races.

**Max Verstappen's Mechanical Understanding:**

Max Verstappen discusses his interest in the mechanical aspects of racing. While he admits to not enjoying working on engines, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the technicalities of his car. He credits his father for instilling in him a comprehensive understanding of race mechanics.

**The Verstappen Family's Travel and Bonding:**

The podcast delves into the Verstappen family's extensive travels across Europe for Max's races. Jos Verstappen recalls their memorable journeys in their van, covering thousands of kilometers each year. Max shares his perspective on these trips, acknowledging that while they were intense, they also created lasting memories and strengthened their family bond.

**Jos Verstappen's Unique Coaching Methods:**

Jos Verstappen employed unconventional coaching methods to hone Max's racing skills. He recounts sending Max out in poorly set up cars to help him identify and rectify issues. He also emphasized the importance of adapting to different weather conditions, pushing Max to race in all types of weather to gain experience.

**The Fuel Station Incident:**

The podcast highlights a pivotal moment in Max Verstappen's career when Jos Verstappen left him at a fuel station after a disappointing race. Max explains how this incident served as a wake-up call, prompting him to reflect on his mistakes and ultimately leading to improved performance in subsequent races.

**Max Verstappen's Driving Style:**

Max Verstappen acknowledges the influence of his father's driving style on his own. He recognizes his aggressive approach but emphasizes that it is controlled and calculated. He attributes his finesse and smooth driving style to the guidance he received from Jos Verstappen.

**Jos Verstappen's Assessment of Max's Driving:**

Jos Verstappen praises Max's driving style, commending his intelligence and fluency. He highlights Max's ability to analyze different lines and adapt his driving accordingly. Jos believes that Max's driving style has evolved, becoming more refined and effective over time.

**Max Verstappen's Best Advice from His Father:**

Max Verstappen reveals the most valuable advice he has received from his father: to stay grounded and be himself. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a level head and avoiding the pitfalls of fame and fortune in Formula One.

**The Verstappen Family's Close Relationship:**

The podcast underscores the strong bond between Jos and Max Verstappen. They maintain daily communication, discussing various aspects of Max's racing career and life in general. This close relationship serves as a pillar of support for Max as he navigates the demanding world of Formula One.

**Jos Verstappen's Assessment of Current Formula One:**

Jos Verstappen provides his perspective on the current state of Formula One. He acknowledges the increased professionalism and sophistication of the sport but expresses his desire for closer racing. He emphasizes the need for cars to be more competitive, allowing for more exciting and unpredictable races.

**Max Verstappen's Focus on Winning the Championship:**

Max Verstappen expresses his ambition to win the World Championship. He acknowledges the dominance of Mercedes but remains determined to seize every opportunity to challenge for the title. He believes that continuous improvement and consistency will eventually lead him to his ultimate goal.

**Jos and Max Verstappen's Racing Heroes:**

The podcast concludes with Jos and Max Verstappen revealing their racing heroes. Jos expresses his admiration for Ayrton Senna's driving style and attitude. Max, on the other hand, states that he does not have a specific racing hero, as he prefers to focus on his own journey and improvement.

**Conclusion:**

The podcast provides a captivating insight into the unique father-son relationship between Jos and Max Verstappen, highlighting their journey from Max's early years in go-karting to his remarkable achievements in Formula One. It explores the impact of Jos's mentorship on Max's career, their close bond, and their shared passion for racing. The podcast also offers valuable perspectives on the current state of Formula One and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.