Jos Verstappen

Johannes Franciscus 'Jos' Verstappen (March 4, 1972 - Present): A Dutch racing driver from Montfort, Dutch Limburg, Verstappen competed in Formula One from 1994 to 2003, achieving two podiums across 107 races with seven different teams. The father of four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, Jos began competitive kart racing at age eight and won two direct-drive Karting European Championships in 1989 before graduating to junior formulae. He won the Benelux Formula Opel Lotus Championship and EFDA Nations Cup in 1992, followed by the German Formula Three title in his rookie season in 1993 and victory at the prestigious Masters of Formula 3 at Zandvoort. Signing for Benetton as test driver in 1994, Verstappen made his Formula One debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix, replacing injured JJ Lehto to partner Michael Schumacher.

He achieved his first podium with third place at the 1994 Hungarian Grand Prix and a second podium with third at the 1994 Belgian Grand Prix. His Formula One career was turbulent, marked by frequent team changes and financial difficulties. After Benetton, he drove for Simtek until the team went bankrupt mid-season, then joined Footwork (1996), Tyrrell (1997), Stewart (1998), Arrows (2000), and Minardi (2003). Verstappen holds the unfortunate record for the most career starts (107) for a Dutch driver without a race win, though he remained the second most successful Dutch Formula One driver by points until his son Max surpassed him.

Following his Formula One career, Verstappen played a pivotal role in developing Max's racing career, serving as his mentor, manager, and sometimes controversial advocate throughout his journey to becoming a four-time Formula One World Champion. Jos also competed in various touring car championships and endurance racing. Known for his aggressive driving style, fierce determination, and unwavering support of his son, Jos Verstappen's legacy extends beyond his own racing achievements to his crucial role in shaping one of Formula One's greatest modern champions.