What is it like to be the co-driver and rally navigator for Jos Verstappen? Renaud Jamoul has been fulfilling this role for two years and reveals how his collaboration with senior Verstappen has been going so far. “The most important thing about him for me is that Jos is not the man you see on television,” Jamoul shares.
While son Max Verstappen is achieving one success after another in Formula 1, father Jos Verstappen is increasingly making a name for himself in rally racing. Verstappen’s co-driver Renaud Jamoul discusses how the rally driver is gradually mastering this unique branch of motorsport, and is even competing with the rally elite in Belgium. Jamoul particularly praises Verstappen’s dedication to his new career.
“The weekend before (the Spa rally), there was Formula 1 in Vegas,” Jamoul recalls as an example of Verstappen’s commitment, speaking to DirtFish. “He was supposed to go to Vegas. And then he said to me: ‘I’m not going to Vegas, because I want to prepare for Spa very well. I know that if I go to Vegas, I’ll have jet lag. And then Max will probably become world champion. So then we’ll have a party and when I’m back in Europe, I’ll be exhausted and not fit for the race.’
Max Verstappen indeed secured his fourth world title in Las Vegas. The decision of Jos Verstappen to not be present there paid off. The Limburger won the Spa Rally, his third victory in the Belgian Rally Championship (BRC). Next season, Verstappen aims to win the same championship, and he can once again count on the assistance of co-driver Jamoul.
Gentleman
The Belgian appreciates his collaboration with the ‘direct’ Verstappen. “The most important thing about him is that Jos is not the man you see on television,” Jamoul explains. “The Formula 1 media have made him out to be such a villain. But he’s not. He’s really a nice driver to work with. And he’s really kind to the people around us. To me, he’s such a real gentleman. He always thinks of my son and brings him gifts.”
In addition, the rally navigator praises Verstappen’s dedication and directness. “He was always so committed to his son,” Jamoul continues. “He always wants the best, so he doesn’t care how you get it. And he’s honest. That might be a bit different from the people in Formula 1. If he doesn’t like you, he tells you straight to your face. Not many people can handle that, but he’s straightforward and honest.” The next Belgian rally season kicks off in February 2025.
