Jos Verstappen has been by his son’s side for the duration of his racing career and is the key protagonist behind Max Verstappen‘s success. Almost ever-present.
Yet he has been conspicuous by his absence at the majority of the Formula 1 races this season. The reason for which is understandably obvious.
His outburst towards Red Bull boss Christian Horner in Bahrain this year was incredibly personal and caused tensions that threatened to destabilise his son’s career with the world champions.
Whatever the reason, Verstappen took umbrage at Horner being cleared by the initial internal investigation by Red Bull’s HQ in Austria.
You’ll remember his comments at the explosive season-opening race in Bahrain where Verstappen Sr commented on Horner’s position in Red Bull and said: “It cannot continue this way. The situation is not good for the team and is driving people apart.”
He continued to explain that his son could be forced out as a consequence. By putting Horner in his crosshairs, he had drawn his own son into the conflict.
The upshot was that after his father had made his outburst and left Bahrain, Verstappen was left in his trail of destruction, which could have been potentially detrimental to his career.
Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing with Jos Verstappen
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
The Formula 1 world champion faced an unwelcome level of scrutiny about his future that resulted in him tiptoeing questions about whether he supported Horner or would side with his father.
On this he was unequivocal. At the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen said he never saw a time when he will race without his father and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen.
“We’re a team,” Verstappen said at the time. “It’s me, my dad and Raymond altogether. And that will always be like that.”
Only that has not been the case this season. Apart from Bahrain and Monaco, where Jos Verstappen’s presence was duly noted, he has not been at any of the other races.
Yes, Vermeulen has been present, which makes total sense as he is Verstappen’s manager and oversees his commercial and contractual obligations during a race weekend.
But there is a sense that without the paternal ties, the F1 world champion has been allowed a greater freedom and has consequently repaired his relationship with the team and, dare I say it, looks more relaxed.
Of course, winning helps, but even when he did not win in Miami, he was in a good mood and cracked jokes in…
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