Former Formula 1 driver Jos Vertsappen has been charged with attempted murder following his arrest last week, according to Dutch media.
The 39-year-old reportedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend, 15 years his junior, to such an extent that local police have charged the Dutchman with attempted murder despite having earlier charged him with assault, as it’s believed he tried to run her down with his car.
The reports also suggests he surrendered himself to the police the following day having fled the scene.
Verstappen, who made his F1 debut in 1994 with Benetton and later drove for several teams including Tyrrell, Stewart, Arrows and Minardi, has a history of violence having served a suspended sentence for assaulting his ex-wife as well as fracturing a fellow racers skull after an incident at a karting track in 1998.