F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Jos Verstappen: 'Never again criticize Max's driving style'

Max Verstappen's flawless performance in Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix proved the Dutchman's driving should not be called into question says his father Jos Verstappen.

The 20-year-old Red Bull driver was criticized earlier this year after a string of on-track incidents and mishaps, leading many to question his approach and ability to learn from his errors.

Before Austria however, Verstappen kept himself out of trouble after his last mistake in FP3 in Monaco, and put himself on the podium in Canada and France with perfectly executed races.

He went one step further on Sunday thanks to a remarkable drive at the Red Bull Ring where he blended his speed with outstanding tyre management to clinch his fourth career win in F1.

"People should never again put a question mark on Max's so-called aggressive driving style," Jos Verstappen told Dutch publication Formule 1.

"Max knows what he is doing. He has to fine-tune some small things and he understands that himself, but by gaining experience he gets better and better."

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko agreed with the former F1 racer, saying Verstappen had confounded his critics;

"Max punished all of the critics who complained so loudly about his driving style," the Austrian told Auto Bild.

"And all at the age of 20!"

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Sainz samples new Madring: ‘You’ve created quite a cocktail’

The Spanish Grand Prix’s future home is still surrounded by construction barriers, deadlines and heavy…

4 hours ago

Ten years on: Marko reveals Horner resisted Verstappen promotion

Helmut Marko has revealed that Max Verstappen’s in-season promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull…

6 hours ago

Schumacher and Irvine paint the town red in Monaco

On this day in 1999 in Monaco, a dominant Michael Schumacher secured his 35th career…

7 hours ago

Rosenqvist finds 233 mph magic at Indy on Fast Friday

Sometimes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, speed doesn’t build gradually – it arrives like it…

8 hours ago

McLaren powers up: Intel returns to F1 after 20-year hiatus

Nearly two decades after its last high-speed venture in Formula 1, American computing giant Intel…

9 hours ago

Verstappen admits to 'super tough' Nürburgring 24 Hours qualifying

Max Verstappen’s Nürburgring 24 Hours debut is already delivering the kind of storyline only he…

11 hours ago