Jos Verstappen has opened up on initial conversations with Helmut Marko regarding Max Verstappen’s ‘surprise’ Formula 1 promotion.
The Dutchman made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix. From there, Verstappen has become one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s recent history, securing four consecutive Drivers’ titles and 71 race wins, with 131 podium finishes.
But ahead of his 2015 debut, Verstappen had only one season of single-seater experience under his belt, competing in the Formula 3 competition with Van Amersfoort Racing. Despite his inexperience, the young driver’s talent was clear, leaving F1 teams eager to sign him for their future line-ups.
Former F1 driver Jos recalled that Mercedes and Red Bull rushed to sign the then 17-year-old, leaving himself and his son’s manager, Raymond Vermuelen, to weigh up their options.
“We already had the same team around us: manager Raymond Vermeulen, who is a good friend of mine,” Verstappen told AutoHebdo.
“It was him, Max, and me, and that’s still the case today. So we were very well prepared.
“Toto Wolff and Helmut Marko were both in talks with us. They were pushing to sign him. And we did our job: finding the best environment for Max.”
The start of Verstappen and Red Bull’s iconic partnership
Despite the increasing talk from Mercedes and Wolff, Verstappen emphasised that they were leaning toward Red Bull due to Marko’s offer of a full-time F1 seat. It was an offer that excited and surprised him due to Verstappen’s age and experience in single-seaters.
“I remember it well,” Verstappen recalled.
“I was at Hockenheim, and it was a typical conversation with Helmut.
“He came over to our table and said, ‘I only have 20 minutes.’ I told him that was more than enough time to talk. His opening line was: ‘I want Max with us in F1 next year’.
“I was very surprised that he said that.”
Whilst his son lacked the experience others may have, his potential was undeniable. Thus, Jos pushed Marko to secure better contract terms for the young Verstappen. Instead of a single-year contract, Jos claimed his son would need two to succeed in the series.
“Because Max was so young, I thought he needed a first year to settle in,” Verstappen explained.
“And that he could then show how good he was in the second year.
“But he adapted so well; he had such a great first year in 2015 that they promoted him to Red Bull as early as the second year. That was a good thing.”
Since then, the pair has become one of the most dominant driver-team pairings of the 2020s.
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