F1 legend drops 4-word reaction Max Verstappen's father terming his son a role model

Jos Verstappen defined his son Max Verstappen as a role model for his candid and upfront approach. F1 legend, Damon Hill, appreciated Jos' quotes and called him a 'good dad.'

Verstappen, who made his debut at the age of 17, has won the last four F1 championships in a row. He led Red Bull Racing to unprecedented dominance in the 2023 season when the team won 21 of the 22 races on the calendar.

However, the 27-year-old is often under the spotlight for his candid remarks. In 2024, he took several digs at the FIA and British media before having heated battles with Lando Norris and George Russell. Moreover, the Dutchman also faced criticism for his aggressive driving style.

Jos Verstappen, meanwhile, defended his son and went on to call him a role model. Speaking to Autosport, he said:

"He's not arrogant, he's direct. What is more of a role model? Pretending to be someone you're not, or openly saying what you think and staying true to your values? That makes me as proud of my son as his sporting achievements."

Former F1 world champion, Damon Hill, reacted to Jos' statement and wrote on Instagram:

"Good quote, Proud Dad."

Damon Hill comments on Jos Verstappen's quotes [Image Source: Instagram]

Max Verstappen has been unapologetic of his driving style. After his tense battle with Norris in 2024, he expressed no regrets over his actions that cost him multiple penalties. He explained that winning is his priority and if that calls for crossing a line, he wouldn't hesistate.

Verstappen won his maiden championship in 2021 after the controversial Abu Dhabi GP results went in his favour. It marked the beginning of a historic run as he has defended his title successfully three times.

In 2024, he faced steep competition from McLaren. However, Norris' ultimately fell short in the drivers' championship battle.

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Max Verstappen opened up on importance of his 'second father'

Max Verstappen with Helmut Marko (Image Source: Getty)

Max Verstappen was first discovered by Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko. He pushed the Dutchman from Toro Rosso into the main team when the latter was a teenager. However, the move paid off as the 27-year-old won four titles.

In a conversation with RacingNews365, Verstappen opened up on Marko's impact on his career and said:

"Helmut gave me the opportunity to start in F1 and then also in moving me to the main team. We have lived a lot of positive and bad moments and of course, tough moment, but our relationship as grown over the years and it is very special for me. Helmut is my biggest fan. I don't even see him like my boss anymore, it is like he is a second father."

Marko has always advocted for Verstappen's profound talent and stood by him like in tough times. And the Dutchman, for that matter, also reciprocated his support to Marko in tense situations.