The world of formula 1 is more than only roaring engines and strategic stops in boxes; It is also a story of human emotions and personal sacrifices. Jos Verstappen, former pilot and father of the world champion Max Verstappen, has recently opened his absence in some careers at the beginning of the 2025 season of Formula 1. in an interview withDe TelegraafOn May 28, 2025, he shared that his wife is experiencing health problems, which led him to stay at home instead of supporting his son at the Paddock. This personal revelation, combined with its reflections on the struggles of Red Bull and its relationship with the chief of the Christian Horner team, has become deep.
Jos Verstappen, a constant presence in Max’s career, was remarkably absent in races such as the Chinese Grand Prix, where Max was only the fourth, a rare setback for the triple world champion. Jos explained that this absence not only had to do with his wife’s health, but also with his own mental well. “Wife I’m sick and I want to be with her,” he said. “Everyone knows that I no longer feel the same passion for formula 1 as before.” Red Bull’s changing performance pressure, especially after a dominant 2023, began to take its toll. “Maybe it was good that I was not there, even for my own mental state,” he added. His honesty about the mental challenges of participation in sport offers a rare vision of the human side of Formula 1.
The disappointing race in China, where Lando Norris de McLaren took the victory, stressed Red Bull’s struggles with the RB21. Jos pointed out that his absence allowed him to look at the team with a new look. “After two days you see things differently,” he said. “The sport is about emotions, but I just want the best for Max. If things don’t go well, Red Bull has to look at himself.” His words reflect a growing frustration about the inconsistency of the team, especially after the game of key figures such as Adrian Newey. However, Jos’s priority remains clear: his son and family’s well, even above the chaos of Formula 1.
The relationship between Jos and Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull team, has been a point of discussion for years. In 2024, the tension reached a peak when Jos asked Horner’s departure after a controversy around his behavior. Now the situation seems to have stabilized. “We don’t have to go on vacation together,” Jos with a smile said. “But I don’t work for the team, and he is the boss. There must be mutual respect, and that’s now.” This reconciliation, no matter how fragile, shows the willingness of leaving aside personal differences for Max’s success. In X, fans reflected this development, with @f1insider_nl who wrote: “Jos and Horner buried the battle ax. Well for Max and Red Bull.”
With view of the Spanish Grand Prix, which takes place on June 1, 2025, Jos is careful. See the race in Barcelona as a crucial test for Red Bull after the challenging streets of Monaco, where Max fought to keep up with McLaren. “Monaco is a unique job, but Barcelona will show where Red Bull is really,” said Jos. “Performance seems to improve, but we have to wait.” His confidence reflects the hope that Red Bull can close the gap with McLaren, especially with the next changes in the rule in the flexibility prior to the wing that can work for its advantage.
The sincere update of Jos about his wife’s health has separated a support wave. In X he wrote @Maxfannl: “Force for Jos and his wife. The family goes above everything.” His decision to give priority to his family, while continuing to support Max, emphasizes the delicate balance between personal and professional obligations. While Red Bull is fighting for his position in the championship, the story of Jos offers a memory that even in the rapid world of formula 1, humanity and family are essential. From Paddock awaits his return, waiting for both his wife’s health and Red Bull’s performance to improve in the races.
