The world of Formula 1 is more than just roaring engines and strategic pit stops; It is also a story of human emotions and personal sacrifice. Jos Verstappen, former driver and father of world champion Max Verstappen, recently spoke frankly about his absence at various races at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season. In an interview withDe TelegraafOn May 28, 2025, he said that his wife has health problems, so he stayed at home instead of supporting his son in the paddock. This personal unveiling, combined with his reflections on the problems of Red Bull and his relationship with team boss Christian Horner, has become deep.
Jos Verstappen, a constant factor during Max’s career, was remarkably absent in races such as the Grand Prix of China, where Max was only fourth – a rare setback for the triple world champion. Jos explained that his absence was not only due to the health of his wife, but also to his own mental well -being. “Wife, I am sick and I want to be with her,” he said. “Everyone knows that I no longer have the same passion for Formula 1 as before.” The pressure of Red Bulls changeable performance, especially after a dominant 2023, began to take its toll. “Maybe it was a good thing that I wasn’t there, even for my own mental condition,” he added. His honesty about the mental challenges of participating in the sport offers a rare glimpse into the human side of Formula 1.
The disappointing race in China, where Lando Norris van McLaren took the victory, underlined Red Bull’s problems with the RB21. Jos noted that his absence enabled him to look at the team with a fresh look. “After two days you see things differently,” he said. “Sport is all about emotions, but I only 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 departure of key figures such as Adrian Newey. Yet Jos ’priority remains clear: the well -being of his son and his family, even above the chaos of Formula 1.
The relationship between Jos and Christian Horner, the team boss of Red Bull, has been a point of contents for years. In 2024 the tensions reached a peak when Jos demanded Horner’s departure after a controversy around his behavior. However, the situation now seems stabilized. “We don’t have to go on vacation together,” Jos said glunching. “But I don’t work for the team, and he is the boss. There must be mutual respect, and that’s there now.” This reconciliation, no matter how brittle, shows Jos ‘willingness to set aside personal differences for Max’ success. On X, fans reflected on this development, with @f1insider_NL who wrote: “Jos and Horner buried the battle ax. Good for Max and Red Bull.”
Jos is carefully optimistic about the Grand Prix of Spain, which takes place on 1 June 2025. He sees the race in Barcelona as a crucial test for Red Bull after the challenging streets of Monaco, where Max had difficulty keeping up with McLaren. “Monaco is a unique circuit, but Barcelona will show where Red Bull really is,” said Jos. “The performance seems to improve, but we have to wait.” His trust reflects the hope that Red Bull can close the backlog at McLaren, especially with the upcoming rule changes around the flexibility of the front wing that may work to their advantage.
Jos ’candid update about the health of his wife has unleashed a flood of statements of support. On X wrote @maxfannl: “Strength for Jos and his wife. Family goes for everything.” His decision to give his family priority and at the same time continue to support Max, underlines the delicate balance between personal and professional obligations. While Red Bull is fighting for the title position, Jos’ story recalls that even in the fast world of Formula 1 humanity and family come first. De Paddock is looking forward to his return and hopes that both the health of his wife and the performance of Red Bull will improve in the coming races.