The fourth world title of his son felt different for Jos Verstappen compared to the previous ones. This time, there was no boundless euphoria. The fluctuating performances and the politics behind the scenes had an impact on the dynamics within the team and, consequently, on the car. “Formula 1 remains an emotional sport, you shouldn’t remove the emotion from it.”
– If you’re not present at one of Max’s races, do you still watch all the sessions?
“Absolutely. Even if I’m in a rally car, just before a trial. Or in between trials. Then I have the phone on the dashboard, in a holder. During the trial itself, it’s off of course, and then I’m focused on the rally. But I must say, I can distance myself better from Formula 1 and rally driving definitely helps with that. You have a goal for yourself, that makes a difference. I also enjoy it immensely, I must say. I may have started a bit too late, haha. But really, I find it wonderful. Also because of the atmosphere around it. Relaxed, no fuss. You can’t collide with another driver either, because you start a minute apart. I enjoy it.”
“It’s incomparable to Formula 1. In Formula 1 there’s politics and there’s a lot more to it. For Max, it’s about driving the car fast and that’s it, but you need to know what’s going on. I also want to know everything. When I’m in the F1 paddock, I talk to everyone. Because when you have to make a decision at some point, you want to have all the information to make the right decision.”
– Adrian Newey said after his departure from Red Bull that he thinks the British press is too critical of Max. That, for example, the people from Sky have a global reach, but maintain a local approach to the sport. Do you agree with that analysis?
“He’s been in F1 for a long time and sees that happening. He’s right about that. Max doesn’t care. He largely ignores them and rises above it. At press conferences, he’s more concise, he doesn’t say too much.
Jos Verstappen: ‘Max Improves from Unjust Criticism’
“Max Verstappen only gets better from unjust criticism, becoming more provoked. That’s just how he is. We saw this in Brazil, for example. So let them continue. When it comes to his way of defending: other drivers understand it. A world title was at stake. And the fact that McLaren occasionally disagreed is understandable. That rivalry exists, on and off the track, is good for the sport.”
About the FIA Stewards
“I’ve discussed this with Stefano Domenicali (CEO of Formula 1). The stewards simply need to penalize consistently. The same for everyone. Not a five-second penalty one time and a ten-second penalty the next for the same offense. And why did Max get a community service penalty for saying ‘Fuck’ and another driver a fine? The stewards don’t seem to know anymore. I think stricter rules need to be implemented in this area.”
Are We There Yet?
“It would help if there was a fixed pool of stewards. And no more former Formula 1 drivers, but simply people who are more detached and have fewer interests, but at the same time understand what the sport entails. With the same stewards each time, you will also get more consistent decisions. More consistency is simply better. The FIA needs to step up its professionalism.”
On the Oddity of Randomly Appointing Stewards in a High-Stakes Sport
“Yes! Opt for a pool of permanent stewards and pay and appreciate them well. Currently, they receive a small amount to be at a race and some do it because they need the money. But I think you should look for people who are not at all dependent on that. In football, you have FIFA referees, who receive training and courses and are well paid. The same should naturally apply to Formula 1. In this respect, the FIA can learn a lot from FIFA.”
Jos Verstappen: ‘FIA President Should Have Had a Private Word with the Drivers’
On the Controversy Surrounding the Use of the Term ‘Fuck’ This Season
“Well, the FIA obviously overstepped with those penalties. You can’t impose a penalty every time someone says fuck. Do you know what I would have done if I were FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem? I would have taken the drivers aside and said, ‘Guys, watch your language’. But to play it all out through the media…”
Is It a Matter of Ego?
“The drivers are also egos. But talk to them and make it clear that they should use certain words as little as possible. And if it is used once in a while, they should just beep it out on TV. Isn’t that right? Formula 1 remains an emotional sport, you shouldn’t remove the emotion.”
And you can use fuck in different ways. The word is fairly ingrained in many countries. And as long as you’re not offending anyone, I don’t see it as a swear word. It’s all just a bit childish of the FIA to nitpick at every little thing. They should let the sport be the sport.”
