Jos Verstappen reveals his favorite moment of Max's career
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On December 12, 2021, in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen chased down history on the final lap of Formula 1's season finale.
And in the pits, his father, Jos Verstappen, has been with him every step of the way, clutching a mixture of nerves, pride, and probably something to bite on.
Fast forward a few years and four shiny world titles later, Jos still looks back on that day as the ultimate highlight of his son's career.
"Every title is special and valuable – the best is always the first," he recently told F1-Insider.
"Abu Dhabi 2021 was very special – when you win the title on the last lap, you'll never forget it. Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton won't like that."
A Night to Remember in Abu Dhabi
And how could they? That race is still a topic of heated debates, conspiracy theories, and enough memes to fill a library.
Michael Masi, the then-race director, made a controversial call during a late Safety Car period that allowed some – but not all – lapped cars to unlap themselves, creating the opportunity for Max, who had pitted for fresh tyres, to hunt down and overhaul race leader Lewis Hamilton for the win – and the title.
As the dust settled, and the protests fizzled, Max stood atop the world as the new F1 champion. But for Jos, the controversy didn't tarnish the magic of the moment.
"I remember sitting in the pits with my son shortly after the race, and we reviewed his career in fast-forward," Jos reminisced.
"It was an extremely beautiful and emotional moment for both of us."
It's not hard to imagine that conversation: a highlight reel of karting triumphs, Max's first F1 win in Spain 2016, and all the sacrifices they made together to reach that pinnacle.
Probably a few laughs, too – Jos is known for his straight-shooting humor.
Four Titles Later: A Legacy in Progress
Max's career hasn't slowed down since. His four consecutive titles have statistically put him in the company of fellow F1 legends Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher.
Yet even Jos acknowledges 2024 wasn't a walk in the park.
"He was also extremely good in 2023," Jos said.
"But of course, it was more difficult for him in 2024 because the car wasn't the best in the field and he always had to drive at the limit—without making mistakes.
"He's always given one hundred per cent, but this year it was more noticeable. People have noticed that Max can make the difference compared to others."
And then there was that epic Sao Paulo race. Torrential rain, starting at the back of the grid, and somehow still making it look like a Sunday drive to the supermarket.
"As for this year [2024], his race in the pouring rain in Sao Paulo naturally stands out," Jos said. "It was easy to make a mistake, but Max simply drove as if the rain hadn't happened. That was special."
A Moment That Lasts Forever
So, while Max continues to write his own history, for Jos Verstappen, the memory of that last lap in Abu Dhabi remains the pinnacle.
But it wasn't just about the result – it was about the journey, the emotions, and the fact that they shared it together.
It's a reminder that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that leave you breathless, the ones you'll never forget, even if some people would rather try.
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The post Jos Verstappen reveals his favorite moment of Max's career appeared first on F1i.com.
