Jos Verstappen, father of four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, has revealed his personal favorite among his son’s quartet of title victories. While Max’s 2024 championship marked an impressive triumph under challenging conditions, Jos ranks the electrifying 2021 victory as the most special.
2021: The “Unforgettable” First Title
For Jos, the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — one of the most dramatic finales in F1 history — stands out as Max’s crowning achievement. The nail-biting victory, sealed on the final lap of the final race, remains etched in memory, even amid the controversy surrounding the FIA’s handling of the race.
“Every title is special and valuable. The best is always the first. Abu Dhabi 2021 was special. When you win the title on the last lap, you’ll never forget it,” Jos said.
Despite the contentious circumstances involving then-race director Michael Masi’s decisions, which overshadowed the finale, Jos emphasized the emotional weight of that moment. “It was an extremely beautiful and emotional moment for both of us,” he recalled, referencing their private celebration in the pits after the race.
2024: Max’s Toughest Challenge Yet
While the first championship holds sentimental value, Jos was quick to acknowledge the unique challenges Max faced during his most recent title run in 2024. Driving an underperforming Red Bull car, Max had to push himself and the RB20 to the absolute limit, demonstrating his unmatched skill and consistency.
“2024 was more difficult for him because the car wasn’t the best in the field, and he therefore always had to drive at the limit without making any mistakes. He did that extremely well,” Jos explained. “People noticed that Max can make the difference compared to others.”
Red Bull’s Internal Struggles
The elder Verstappen also addressed Red Bull’s reported failure to heed Max’s feedback about chassis issues in 2024, which contributed to the car’s decline in performance. He urged the team to provide better support to its star driver, especially as it faces upcoming personnel changes.
“Max always gives 100 percent. But last year, it was more noticeable because he had to compensate for the car’s shortcomings. Red Bull needs to ensure the car is up to the mark to keep him in championship contention,” Jos remarked.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
Though Jos acknowledges the controversy of 2021, he reiterated that Max’s dominance in subsequent seasons—particularly the record-shattering 2023 campaign—has solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s greats. Despite the challenges, Max’s relentless pursuit of excellence has proven that his success extends far beyond the contentious first title.
“He was extremely good in 2023, breaking records, but his 2024 title win showed his resilience. It’s not just about the car—it’s about the driver,” Jos concluded.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With major changes looming at Red Bull and the arrival of new personnel, the team faces the challenge of maintaining its competitive edge. For Max Verstappen, the mission remains the same: keep pushing the limits and aim for a fifth consecutive title, while Red Bull ensures their reigning champion has the tools to continue making history.