Jos Verstappen sees Michael Schumacher’s qualities in his son Max.

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, was also a Formula 1 driver in the 90s and was the teammate of 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher in his early days. The two families are very close to each other. Father Verstappen believes that the relationship between his son and his friend Michael Schumacher has made a big impact on Max Verstappen’s career success. The Senior Verstappen was the partner of Schumacher at the Benetton team during the 1994 F1 season. 

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'Max is similar to Michael'- Verstappen

The two drivers became very close even after Michael moved to Ferrari in 1996. When Max was growing up as a race driver, Michael Schumacher was one of the closest people who influenced him the most and also helped him develop as a great driver.  Talking about his friend Schumacher, Jos Verstappen said, “It was always good. He tried hard, even after his career. We often went karting with our children, Mick and Max. Michael didn't differentiate between Max and Mick. 

Max Verstappen:

🗣️ “I remember a few holidays, I was quite small; I didn’t know he [Michael Schumacher] was a seven-times world champion. He was more like Uncle Michael. He was very nice, easygoing. Simple." 🧡 pic.twitter.com/c2sSp2ddez

— Verstappen News (@verstappenews) June 10, 2023

If he had something to say, he told them both. It's quite possible that Max also benefitted from these experiences. Max has a lot in common with Michael: uncompromising on the racetrack but kind, sensitive, and caring as a private person." Michael Schumacher was the biggest icon in Formula 1, especially when Max Verstappen was born. The two families were very close and often went on vacations together. With four world championships in his hand, Junior Verstappen is closing on his uncle Michael Schumacher and his old rival Lewis Hamilton, both having 7 world championships.

Michael and Lewis are all-time great drivers in Formula 1 with an infinity-level aura when they race. Verstappen is nearing their level with his back-to-back title wins and dominance in the last 4 years. 2024 was a tough year for Max, but he is hoping 2025 will be a better season for him and Red Bull.

Also read: Why does everyone think Lewis Hamilton reached his breaking point at 40? - Explained