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

Bearman blasts Haas: ‘Soft tyre strategy screwed my race’

Oliver Bearman left Bahrain convinced Haas had thrown away a genuine chance of points after…

8 hours ago

F1i Driver Ratings for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac (DNF) – 3/10 Bottas spun out in the opening laps of the…

9 hours ago

Audi to light up Singapore with striking one-off F1 livery

Audi is turning the Singapore night into a canvas of its own, unveiling a striking…

11 hours ago

The unsuspected failure of Michael Andretti in F1

Michael Andretti was born into this world on this day, 64 years ago. An impressive…

11 hours ago

Lawson hails Racing Bulls gamble after ‘doubting’ team's call

Racing Bulls turned a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix into a points bonanza, with Liam Lawson…

13 hours ago

Alonso left wanting more despite Aston Martin’s best result

Fernando Alonso delivered to Aston Martin its best result of the 2026 season in Sepang,…

14 hours ago