Jos Verstappen talked about how good it is to see "the kind of racing that Max and Red Bull do together," pointing out that his son's victory in Baku provided extra motivation after Monaco
It seems that Max Verstappen's favorable result at the Azerbaijan GP left the father of the reigning Formula 1 champion, Jos Verstappen, more satisfied than he was at the last race in Monaco. The former F1 driver even believes that the alleged favoritism to Sergio Pérez on the streets of Monte Carlo was crucial to make his son even more motivated for the race in Baku.
In Sunday's race, Verstappen and Pérez fought for the victory, but without a real confrontation on the track, since the Taurus guided the fast driver not to fight in order not to compromise the double that was being designed. Better for the Dutchman, who was coming faster and did not see the Mexican offer resistance.
It was the #1's fifth win of the year in eight opportunities. "You could see that Max was very motivated," Jos said in his weekly column on Verstappen.com, "Of course it has to do with last race in Monaco, but he didn't let that affect him. It was very nice, and that just makes him better. A challenged Max is an even better Max," he stressed.
Despite the stronger pace, both Verstappen and Pérez counted on Ferrari's double abandonment on the Azeri track - first Carlos Sainz due to a hydraulic problem, then Charles Leclerc, with an engine blowout while leading. For Jos, a situation that avoided a direct race on the track that "could bring risks" to his son.
"I thought Max was very strong in Baku, but let's be honest, everything happened in a convenient way. Ferrari made a good move by calling Leclerc into the pits during the virtual safety-car. When Max stopped, he came back 13s behind," Jos recalled.
"There was another VSC, and Leclerc could have taken the opportunity once again. Him dropping out due to technical problems was good for us," admitted the Dutchman's father, adding that "Max could have caught up, but that would have required more risks in overtaking. "It didn't have to come to that," he stressed.
After a start surrounded by uncertainties because of the retirements, Red Bull has gone on a five-game winning streak - four with Verstappen and one with Pérez - and leads the Constructors' World Championship with 80 points over Ferrari. The Dutchman, meanwhile, now has a 21-point lead over his teammate, who has overtaken Leclerc in the standings.
Jos highlighted "how good it is to see the kind of racing that Max and Red Bull do together." "After the two abandonments earlier in the season, everyone thought it would be lost. Now you see Ferrari having problems, but things can change in an instant, so it's still a very technical sport."
"Red Bull usually has things in order, with a qualified and experienced team. But we shouldn't celebrate too early, it's still a very long season," he closed.