Verstappen Jr. has just won his third consecutive Formula 1 championship, in a much simpler fashion than the tense and difficult circumstances in which he clinched his first title during a dramatic showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021.<\/p>\n
Jos Verstappen reflected on Max’s incredible year in Formula 1 in 2023, two years after the controversial Abu Dhabi GP 2021 in which he won his first title. The father of the three-time reigning world champion opened up during an exclusive interview with PlanetF1.com.<\/p>\n
Indeed, the way Michael Masi handled the safety car period after Nicholas Latifi’s crash on lap 53 was the catalyst for a ending that will forever cause division and anger, and can simply be summed up by fans in two words, everyone immediately knows what they are referring to: Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n
When asked if he came close to having a heart attack that day, considering how stressful it was to watch the final battle, he responds: \u00ab In a way, I did have one! \u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00ab For Formula 1 fans and, of course, as Max’s father, it couldn’t be better. It was so exciting until the last moment. Of course, for us, the result was nice. I imagine that for Lewis and Toto, it’s not as pleasant. But that’s how it is, you know, you have to accept it.<\/p>\n
Looking back at the period during which Verstappen transitioned from being a mere challenger to the crown worn by Lewis Hamilton, to becoming the king himself with 19 victories in the most dominant display a driver has ever accomplished in F1.<\/p>\n
While 2021 was a puzzle mission where being extremely precise was necessary to face heavyweights Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, the two following years have seen Verstappen settle into a role that he seems very comfortable with, that of absolute control.<\/p>\n
But has Jos noticed any changes in Max’s mentality, confidence, and maturity that bring competitiveness on the track?<\/p>\n
\u00ab It’s not so much that he is more confident. I think now we have a more competitive car. That makes a difference. In 2021, I think in the last two races, Mercedes was above us. We were always competing between a slower car and a faster car. Now, I think we have the advantage over everyone. That’s the difference \u00bb.<\/p>\n
In a year where it is much easier to highlight the moments, though rare, when Verstappen did not come out on top, what were the standout moments of the season for Jos?<\/p>\n
“Well, I don’t think we can go back to racing or anything like that. […] For me, having him perform at a high level in each race… that’s so important and enjoyable to watch \u00bb.”<\/p>\n
\u00ab Furthermore, after a race, he can really disconnect. He can really focus on something else and sometimes, I feel like talking to him about something, and he tells me, “Please, no Formula 1.” He just wants to relax at home and not talk about it. \u00bb<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Two years after the controversial events at Abu Dhabi 2021, Jos Verstappen reflected on his son Max Verstappen’s first triumph over Lewis Hamilton.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":32441,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,1749],"tags":[450,732,941],"class_list":["post-1664","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-f1","category-news","tag-grand-prix-dabu-dhabi","tag-jos-verstappen","tag-verstappen"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n