Max Verstappen's father, former Formula One driver Jos, says that his son is training to the point of exhaustion every day in preparation for the new 2017 Formula One world championship season.
Verstappen is keenly aware that the drivers will be tougher to drive this year with the introduction of new downforce and tyre regulations, and that physical fitness will be crucial in any title bid.
"Max is completely exhausted every evening, sitting on the sofa. It's good," Jos Verstappen told Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport Totaal. "He doesn't talk so much!
"Max is quiet, but I also feel his enthusiasm because I know how high the expectations at Red Bull Racing are."
Jos confirmed that now his son had achieved his dream of making it into Formula One, he himself had stepped away and no longer felt the need to play the 'pushy parent' on his 19-year-old son's behalf.
"My big goal was always to bring Max to formula one," Jos said. "That's done. In the meantime, he has established himself as a top driver. My presence is simply not necessary."
"I know he is in very good hands with Red Bull. Everything is superbly organised. He certainly does not need me," he continued. "Clearly I carefully watch what is going on, but not more.
"Sure I miss Max," Jos admitted. "I recently talked to my daughter about it, that it's a bit strange that Max is not here. But he now has his own life in Monte Carlo and is extremely busy."
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