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Verstappen family rattled by Jos' antics

Max Verstappen's grandfather met with Red Bull's Helmut Marko to ensure that the teenage charger is shielded from the troubles caused by his father, Jos Verstappen.

The former F1 driver, who has a reputation of being somewhat of a hot head, got involved in a brawl at a nightclub in Holland last weekend.

His own father, Frans Verstappen, sought out a meeting with Marko, according to De Telegraaf.

"I took this step in Max's interest," Frans said, "because I fear for his career.

"The only thing I wanted to achieve was that Red Bull intervenes to protect Max from the constant misery caused by his father," he added.

Red Bull's motorsport boss confirmed the meeting the Verstappen patriarch but made clear the fact that the family needs to work out its own issues.

"I made it clear that Red Bull has a contract only with Max, and everything else that happens in the family is not our business," Marko explained.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.