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Jos Verstappen: Max's 'treatment' is not to his liking

Father Jos Verstappen has spoken out openly and fiercely about the way his son, Max, is currently being treated.

By Hans van den Broekma - 2026-07-14T11:10:19.000Z - 1 min read

Photo: Morio / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Jos Verstappen has made his voice heard once again, and in a manner that leaves little to the imagination. This time, his sights are set on the 'treatment' of his son, Max—a term that leaves plenty of room for interpretation.

The statements, headlined by a telling 'When I see Max...', suggest a concern deeper than mere strategy choices or tire management. It reads more like a parental observation regarding the driver's well-being, or at least his handling.

Public discontent from the man who drove Max's career for years rarely passes without consequence in the ever-tense Formula 1 paddock. The timing alone invites headaches and rumors.

What exactly served as the straw that broke the camel's back is not explicitly stated in the brief announcement. That does not make the sharp criticism any less potent, however; the message is clear: father Jos is, to put it mildly, unhappy with the current state of affairs.

With the gauntlet thrown down so ostentatiously, many will be watching with hawkish eyes for the reactions that are sure to follow.

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