Jos Verstappen Encourages Max's Critics: 'Max Only Gets Better From Unjustified Criticism'
F1
Former F1 driver Jos Verstappen discussed his son, Max Verstappen's mindset and how he deals with "unjust criticism."
Although he ultimately came out on top and scored his fourth consecutive championship title, the 2024 season wasn't easy for Red Bull Racing F1 driver Max Verstappen.
Not only did he have to compensate for his car's lack of performance, but the Dutchman also faced significant criticism off-track for his communication with the team, driving style, sim racing, and more.
Examples include the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, where Verstappen had a very intense exchange with his race engineer, and the Austrian Grand Prix, after which many blamed Verstappen for causing a collision with Lando Norris.
All the adversities, however, didn't seem to bother the four-time world champion. On the other hand, he only seemed to have become stronger and stronger throughout the season. His father, Jos Verstappen told Formule1.nl:
"Max only gets better from unjustified criticism, more irritated. That's how he is. We saw that in Brazil, for example. So let them do it."
Verstappen also faced major criticism after the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, where he received a 20-second penalty for his moves on Lando Norris.
However, he later received support from drivers like Kevin Magnussen or Pierre Gasly, who suggested they might have behaved the same way if they were in his position. Verstappen Sr continued:
"If you're talking about his way of defending: other drivers understand it. There was a world title at stake. And that McLaren sometimes disagreed, that's logical. That rivalry exists, on and off the track, that's good for the sport."
When the father of the Red Bull Racing F1 driver was asked how his son handled everything in 2024, he added:
"Very clever actually. He has himself well under control and is just very stable in that respect."
"He also doesn't care much about what is said and written about him. He hears and sees it all, but it doesn't affect him."
"Of course, he is also constantly questioned about all kinds of things and therefore has to know what is going on."
"But I think Max always deals with that very well. He is in a good position and is mentally very strong."
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