Max Verstappen attributes much of his success in Formula One to the tough upbringing he received from his father, Jos Verstappen, during his childhood in the Netherlands. Widely recognized as one of the greatest talents of his generation, the Red Bull driver is poised to pursue his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title in the upcoming 2024 season.

“That’s exactly what I needed,” he said. “Of course, sometimes I talked about why he had to be so serious and strict all the time, but now I’m grateful for him.

Verstappen’s upbringing was characterized by strict discipline and rigorous training, with his father leaving no room for compromise in his quest to mold his son into a future world champion. In a recent interview with M4 Sport, Verstappen reflected on his childhood, acknowledging that while his father’s approach may not have suited everyone, it was precisely what he needed to thrive.

“Due to my childhood training, everything that came later, in Formula Three or in the first Formula One years, could no longer surprise me.” Verstappen went on to insist that his father was responsible for giving him the ‘hardest possible, but also the best’ upbringing, which left him ‘fully prepared’ for the trials and tribulations of racing in F1.

Expressing gratitude for his father’s unwavering dedication and stern guidance, Verstappen emphasized that his upbringing instilled in him a resilience and preparedness that proved invaluable as he ascended through the ranks of motorsport. He credited his father for providing him with the “hardest possible, but also the best” foundation, ensuring that he was well-equipped to navigate the challenges of competing in Formula One.

Verstappen’s recollection of a particularly tough moment from his childhood, where his father left him stranded at a petrol station after a karting race, underscores the intensity of their relationship. Despite the harshness of the lesson, Verstappen recognizes the value in such experiences, acknowledging the importance of learning from mistakes and developing resilience in the face of adversity.

“People say how bad a father I was to him to abuse your child,” he said in a Viaplay documentary. “I never abused him. I was hard on him, that mistake, and that was also my plan on that. To learn, to think. A lot of people have no idea what you have to do to arrive at the top of a sport.”

While Jos Verstappen has faced criticism for his tough approach, he has defended his actions, asserting that his intentions were always rooted in helping his son succeed rather than inflicting harm. He maintains that the demands placed on Max were necessary to cultivate the mindset and determination required to excel at the highest level of motorsport.

As Max Verstappen continues his quest for racing glory, he remains grateful for the formative influence of his father, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping him into the formidable competitor he is today.