Jos Verstappen: Ferrari cheating allegations not smart but 'understandable'

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Jos Verstappen says the allegations made by his son Max against Ferrari are "understandable", although the Red Bull driver might have been better off keeping his thoughts to himself.

After a downbeat performance from the Scuderia in the US Grand Prix that contrasted with its recent form, an unequivocal Verstappen contended that the Italian outfit's underperformance in Austin was because it had stopped cheating.

In Verstappen's view, Ferrari's dip in performance in Texas was directly related to the publication by the FIA on Saturday of a technical directive that clarified a potential illicit loophole in F1's fuel flow engine regulations.

Cagey Verstappen calls out Ferrari for US GP struggles

The Red Bull driver's claim understandably drew the ire of Ferrari, with team boss Mattia Binotto insisting the comments were "completely wrong" and detrimental to the sport.

Speaking on Dutch TV's Ziggo Sport show, Jos Verstappen agreed that Max's statement wasn't useful, but also explained why it likely wasn't fake news.

"I saw it and thought: Oh no!" Verstappen Sr. said. "It might not have been the smartest statement, but I do understand Max, because he is very driven and wants to win.

"After the summer break he had a zero percent chance against Ferrari and this weekend there was no difference.

"I think everyone knows that Ferrari used a loophole. It explains why sometimes they are suddenly extremely fast on the straight. It perhaps isn't cheating, but morally it isn't quite right.

"I'm glad there is clarity now, because everyone was wondering what Ferrari was doing."

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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.