Jos Verstappen fumes at what he’s heard ‘English’ F1 fans say about Red Bull star Max Verstappen

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As one not to shy away from controversy, Jos Verstappen’s latest clash is with English F1 fans due to their ‘impression’ of Max Verstappen on social media.

Max Verstappen had a difficult start to his Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, setting the 14th fastest time in FP2 on Friday to mark the first time this season that he has been beaten in practice by his teammate.

The Grand Prix is Laurent Mekies‘ second in charge of the Red Bull team, following his appointment as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing following Christian Horner‘s dismissal at the start of July.

It’s been reported that rumours suggesting Verstappen wanted Horner out before he committed his future at Red Bull have been described as ‘nonsense’ by Verstappen’s camp.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Jos Verstappen doesn’t like the fact English F1 fans portray Max Verstappen as a ‘jerk’

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Jos Verstappen spoke about what he appreciates about his son the most in the midst of his highly successful career in F1. Verstappen said, “When I see or speak to Max in private, he’s truly the same Max as he was ten or fifteen years ago. I find that very important and beautiful.

“I’m proud of it. I think a lot of people, perhaps especially the English, have the wrong impression of him. That he’s a jerk or something. Maybe that’s also due to the current social media era. But I don’t recognise myself in that at all.”

Verstappen Sr has been a fairly vocal character in the Red Bull garage since Verstappen’s promotion to the team in 2016. He was seen in a ‘heated row’ with former Red Bull communications director Paul Smith at Silverstone.

Smith was relieved of his post at Red Bull at the same time as Horner’s sacking. Following rumours of Verstappen’s restlessness at the team, some media outlets claimed that Jos was the one who spread the rumours about Max joining Mercedes.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Jos Verstappen recalls ‘special’ moment at 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as one of his fondest memories

Jos was also asked by De Telegraaf about his favourite moment seeing Max on track, to which he replied, “A first title is already very special, of course, but everything around it made it even more special.

“Every now and then, I see a video of that final lap. It remains special. How Max plants his car next to Hamilton’s and passes him… While we actually had no chance until that final phase. Hamilton was simply too fast at that moment.”

Jonathan Wheatley’s quick thinking in his communications with Michael Masi are attributed to the win that saw Verstappen clinch his first of four consecutive world championships. The moment is also known as one of the most controversial results in the sport.

Wolff recently recalled the aftermath of the race, stating that he wanted Horner to acknowledge the fact that Lewis Hamilton was the ‘deserving’ winner of that year’s title.