Jos Verstappen – father of Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen – has found fun in rallying – The Dutchman hopes to test a Rally1 car
A prominent name was on the list of participants in the World Rally Championship (WRC) at the Ypres Rally in Belgium: Jos Verstappen. The Dutchman and father of Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen competed in the WRC2 category in a Citroen C3 and has really tasted blood. Now the former Formula 1 racer is hoping for a test in a Rally1 hybrid car.
The hybrid engines were only introduced in the 2022 WRC season and are used by three manufacturers: Ford with M-Sport, and Toyota and Hyundai as factory teams. On his WRC debut in the Citroen, Verstappen was a solid 25th overall before an accident dropped him to 60th. Nevertheless, that could have been a good basis for a test in a top WRC car.
In addition, Verstappen has already competed in the Belgian Rally Championship to gain his first experience. In racing, the father of Max Verstappen has been very successful in his career, as he comes to 106 starts in the premier class for Benetton, Simtek, Footwork, Tyrrell, Stewart, Arrows and Minardi.
“I would love to try a Rally1 car like that, but when I see what these guys are putting on, it’s absolutely crazy,” said the veteran. “I would love to test it, but I don’t want to compete against the Rally1 drivers. The WRC2 cars do it there as well.” Verstappen also received praise from the paddock for his performance in Belgium, including from Toyota team boss Jari-Matti Latvala.
M-Sport team boss Richard Millener even goes a step further and did not rule out a Rally1 test in the Ford Puma. He says: “We have a full calendar this year, but it’s great to have people like Jos around. Who knows what will happen.” Verstappen plans to take part in more WRC rallies and hopes to compete on gravel as well. He also plans to make more appearances in the national championship.
