Max Verstappen managed to avoid a potentially dangerous accident on the first lap of the Mexican Grand Prix. The Dutchman was driving at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez when a competitor suddenly swerved, threatening a collision.
Fortunately, Verstappen reacted instinctively and managed to steer his Red Bull safely through the chaos. Afterward, he spoke of his good fortune, but also of the valuable lessons he’d learned from his father.
Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver himself, has always guided his son in his racing career. He emphasized the importance of rally experience, which helped Max develop sharp reflexes.
“I practiced rallying with him,” Jos said in an interview, referring to the off-road training sessions. These sessions taught Max to react quickly to unexpected obstacles, something that was crucial in Mexico.
The Mexican GP was known for its challenging conditions, with elevation changes and a twisty course. Verstappen started from pole position, aiming to maintain his championship lead. However, on the first lap, a chain reaction occurred after another driver spun.
Max had to brake abruptly and swerve, but thanks to his training, he stayed on track.
The rally training with Jos began when Max was still young, around his teens. They drove rally cars together through forests and on unpaved roads, where grip and control are essential.
These experiences taught Max to control his car in situations where asphalt gives way to mud or gravel. It also helped him stay mentally strong under pressure, a skill essential in Formula 1.
After the incident in Mexico, Verstappen publicly praised his father for his support. “Dad taught me a lot,” he said, emphasizing that rallying wasn’t just fun but also useful.
Without those lessons, the crash might have turned out differently, possibly with car damage or injuries. It demonstrates how family influences can shape a driver’s career.
Jos Verstappen himself drove in Formula 1 from 1994 to 1998, with a career marked by speed and determination. He won races and finished fifth in the 1994 championship.
After retiring, he focused on coaching Max, who made his F1 debut at 17. The rally sessions were a way to develop Max’s skills away from the track.
The Mexican Grand Prix was a thrilling race, with Verstappen ultimately winning after an intense battle. He built a lead of over 15 seconds over his nearest rival.
Avoiding the accident on lap one was crucial to his strategy. It once again demonstrated his class as a driver, supported by the foundations Jos had laid.
Critics sometimes argue that Verstappen relies too much on his father’s advice, but he sees it as a strength. His rallying experience has helped him better anticipate dangerous situations.
This was clearly evident in Mexico when he avoided a potential crash. The incident lasted only seconds, but felt like an eternity to the spectators.
Max’s reaction after the race was calm, but he acknowledged his luck. “Without those lessons, I might not have been able to react so quickly,” he admitted. Jos’s influence extends beyond technique; it’s also about mentality. Rallying teaches drivers to assess risks and make decisions under pressure.
The Formula 1 world often looks to Verstappen as a model of talent and discipline. His relationship with Jos is a key part of his story. The rally exercises aren’t just training, but also quality time between father and son. They’ve contributed to Max’s success, with multiple world titles to his name.
Verstappen will likely continue to draw on these experiences in the future. New circuits and challenges await him, such as the upcoming races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
Jos’s lessons will help him stay safe and successful. The accident in Mexico was a reminder of the dangers in the sport, but also of the value of preparation.
Verstappen’s fans are celebrating his victory in Mexico as a triumph. Avoiding the accident was seen as proof of his superiority. His rallying background sets him apart from other drivers. It not only makes him faster, but also smarter on the track.
Jos Verstappen remains a quiet force behind the scenes. He often attends races and offers advice where needed. The rally sessions have become a tradition in the Verstappen family. They symbolize the bond between generations in motorsport.
The Mexican GP ended with Verstappen on the podium, but the story of the accident lingers. It shows how a single moment can change the course of a race.
Thanks to Jos’s lessons, it became a story of survival and success. Max’s career continues to evolve, with more highlights on the horizon.
All in all, the first round in Mexico was a test for Verstappen. He passed thanks to his rallying experiences with his father. It emphasizes the importance of family support in top-level sport. Verstappen’s story inspires young drivers worldwide.
The Formula 1 community praises Verstappen for his resilience. The incident in Mexico added tension to the race. Without the lessons learned, it could have ended differently.
It’s an example of how past experiences shape future success. Max Verstappen’s luck in Mexico wasn’t a fluke.
It was the result of years of training with Jos. Rally practice proved essential at a critical moment. It cemented his position as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
