“I didn’t leave him behind”: Max Verstappen’s father pulls back the curtain regarding the infamous petrol pump story

Max Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, clarified that he did not leave his son at a petrol pump in a fit of rage while the four-time world champion was a kid. Instead, Jos didn't talk to his son for a week, which in his opinion was not a harsh act.

The Dutch driver's relationship with his dad, Jos, has seen several ups and downs. As he has stated previously, his dad was harsh with him while growing up, and his strict attitude eventually developed him into a fearless driver on the track.

However, growing up, Verstappen was often pulled up by his father for his mistakes in karting. One such incident was narrated by the Red Bull driver to ESPN back in 2022. Jos Verstappen apparently kicked Max out from his van and left him at a gas station in the south of Italy.

He explained that his dad was angry at him for making mistakes in a karting race, and irritated by his constant chatter, he lost his patience.

Meanwhile, according to AutoSport, Jos has now clarified that he didn't abandon his son at the gas station but instead didn't talk to him for a week as punishment.

“I think it’s time to clear up that story. The truth is: I didn’t leave him there. I just didn’t speak to him for a week. Was that too harsh? Not according to Max. He felt that my attitude had prepared him better for Formula 1," Jos said.

Max Verstappen has indeed said in his prime that his dad's strictness helped him develop a thick skin and become the fierce racing driver that he is today.

Verstappen is currently in his prime, having won four back-to-back championships to establish a new era of dominance. However, with Red Bull facing steep competition from rivals, the Dutchman's challenges are likely to increase in the coming season.

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Jos Verstappen recalls Michael Schumacher's influence on Max Verstappen's career

Max Verstappen's dad with Michael Schumacher (Image Source: Getty)

In an interview with F1 Insider, Jos Verstappen revealed that Max Verstappen and Mick Schumacher went go-karting together as children. He added that legendary driver Michael Schumacher guided both the kids equally, sharing his valuable insights.

As quoted by GP Blog, Jos said:

"We often went go-karting with our children, Mick and Max. Michael didn't distinguish between Max and Mick. If he had something to say, he told them both. It is quite possible that Max also benefited from these experiences."

The senior Verstappen drew similarities between the legendary Schumacher's and his son's personalities.

"Max has a lot in common with Michael: uncompromising on the track but sweet, sensitive, and caring as a private person."

The 27-year-old Red Bull driver stands a chance to match his idol Michael Schumacher's record of winning the most championships in F1. He has four titles already in his bag and will be looking to continue that run in 2025.