‘He’s Still Got Both Feet On…’! Jos Verstappen Delighted With Son Max’s Humility Despite Success

Max Verstappen. (X)

Max Verstappen will head into the final race of the season at Abu Dhabi hoping to extend his reign as the F1 champions for an astounding fifth time, with only McLaren’s Lando Norris 12 points ahead of the Dutchman in the standings.

Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, expressed his pride in his son for remaining humble despite his incredible successes on the racetrack ever since he clinched his maiden title.

“Max is increasingly showing how special he is, and he’s still a sweetheart. I mean that sincerely,” Verstappen senior said.

“Max is very pleasant company, and you know what’s the most important: he’s still got both feet on the ground,” he added.

“When Max walks into the paddock, he still greets the people that were there for him ten years ago,” he continued.

“Believe me, there are people who walk through the paddock quite differently. Max is just himself and very normal,” Jos revealed.

Red Bull’s Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix at the Losail Circuit, delaying McLaren’s Lando Norris’ pursuit of his first World Championship title and giving himself a chance for a fifth-straight title.

Norris can clinch the championship if he finishes on the podium in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen can secure his fifth consecutive title by winning the race, provided Norris does not finish in the top three. Piastri has a slim chance of becoming the champion if he wins in Abu Dhabi and Norris finishes outside the top five.

Since the summer break, Verstappen has won five races, whereas all other competitors together have secured only four victories.

Verstappen has staged a remarkable comeback, in the ongoiNg season, narrowing Norris’ lead in the standings from 104 points after the Dutch Grand Prix to a mere 12 points. Initially, it seemed that Verstappen was out of the race for his fifth consecutive title, but his strong performance in the latter half of the season has reignited the championship battle.

Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, finished second behind Verstappen, while Carlos Sainz of Williams took the final podium spot, with Norris finishing in fourth place.

With this victory, Verstappen’s total points for the season reached 396. Norris leads the championship with 408 points, and Piastri is in third place with 392 points, making the final race in Abu Dhabi decisive.

Norris can clinch the championship if he finishes on the podium in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen can secure his fifth consecutive title by winning the race, provided Norris does not finish in the top three. Piastri has a slim chance of becoming the champion if he wins in Abu Dhabi and Norris finishes outside the top five.