Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen has certainly been making the headlines this week, following the release of docuseries ‘Max- Anatomy Of A Champion series’.
The series takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Dutchman’s rise to stardom and what ultimately makes him so special, something which has thrown his father’s parenting into question.
Verstappen’s father, ex-F1 driver Jos Verstappen, was recently criticised for being a “bad father”, something Jos and Max himself have both denied.
“People say I was a bad father who abused my child,” Jos was quoted as saying by Swedish outlet Expressen.
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“I never abused him. I raised him. I was hard on him and that was my plan. Many have no idea what it takes to reach the top in a sport.”
A clip of the duo on the series actually shows the pair having a good relationship, with the 25-year-old having made fun of his father for having crashed a few cars.
Jos’ time as an F1 driver wasn’t particularly successful, with his highlight being two podiums.
During Jos’ F1 career, which spanned from 1994-2003, he had two famous incidents, one which saw his Benetton suddenly burst into flames.
The scary incident took place at the German Grand Prix, whilst he also managed to collide with the pit wall in France.
Verstappen made fun of his father’s incidents whilst discussing getting a bathtub, something which resulted in the duo chuckling to each other.
“You could install a bathtub on it. A wide one,” Verstappen joked.
“I already have trouble getting in and out,” comically replied Verstappen’s father.
“Luckily you’ve had a lot of practice getting out of cars,” the Red Bull driver responded.
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Verstappen has, of course, made an exceptional start to the 2023 F1 season and currently leads the Drivers’ Championship by 15 points, from team-mate Sergio Perez.
The double World Champion has started the new season with two victories and a second-place finish, highlighting his dominance.
The Red Bull star is the favourite to claim a third consecutive title this season, which would put him level with the likes of Ayrton Senna and Niki Lauda.