Jos Verstappen: The Racing Career, Family Life and Legacy of the Dutch Motorsport Veteran

Jos Verstappen is a Dutch racing and rally driver who gained international recognition through his career in Formula One during the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his determination, speed, and deep understanding of motorsport, he competed against some of the greatest drivers in Formula One history. Over the years, he has remained closely connected to racing and continues to participate in rally competitions across Europe.

Beyond his own achievements on the track, Jos Verstappen is widely recognised as the father and early mentor of Max Verstappen, one of the most successful drivers in modern Formula One. His influence on the development of his son’s career has been widely acknowledged by motorsport analysts and fans alike.

Early Life of Jos Verstappen

Childhood and Background

Jos Verstappen was born on 4 March 1972 in Montfort, a town located in the Limburg province of the Netherlands. His full name is Johannes Franciscus Verstappen. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in motorsport, largely influenced by his father, Frans Verstappen.

Frans played an important role in introducing him to racing and supporting his early development as a driver. Growing up in a family that appreciated motorsport allowed him to develop a passion for racing at an early stage of life.

Early Interest in Racing

At the age of eight, Jos Verstappen began competitive kart racing. Karting is widely considered the foundation of most professional racing careers, and he quickly demonstrated natural talent behind the wheel. His success in karting championships throughout Europe helped him build a reputation as a promising young driver. This success opened the door for his progression into professional single-seater racing categories.

The Rise of Jos Verstappen in Motorsport

Success in Karting

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jos Verstappen competed in several major karting competitions and achieved impressive results. These victories established him as one of the strongest kart drivers in Europe. The skills developed during this period, including racecraft, speed, and strategic thinking, helped prepare him for the next stage of his racing career.

German Formula Three Championship

One of the most significant milestones before entering Formula One came in 1993, when Jos Verstappen won the German Formula Three Championship. This series has historically been a stepping stone for many drivers who later compete in Formula One. Winning the championship placed him firmly on the radar of Formula One teams and confirmed his status as a rising star in motorsport.

Jos Verstappen Formula One Career

Debut in Formula One

Jos Verstappen made his Formula One debut in 1994 with the Benetton team. At the time, Benetton was one of the leading teams in the sport. He joined as a young driver alongside Michael Schumacher, who would later become a seven-time world champion. Entering Formula One at such a competitive level provided him with a significant opportunity to demonstrate his skills against some of the best drivers in the world.

Career Highlights

Throughout his Formula One career, Jos Verstappen competed in more than one hundred Grand Prix races. Although he did not win a race, he achieved two podium finishes during the 1994 season, which remains the most successful year of his Formula One career. His podium results were impressive achievements given the competitiveness of the sport and the equipment available to him at the time.

Teams Driven for by Jos Verstappen

During his years in Formula One, he drove for several teams, including:

• Benetton

• Simtek

• Arrows

• Stewart

• Tyrrell

• Minardi

Frequent team changes meant that he often raced with cars that were not capable of competing for victories. Despite these challenges, he consistently demonstrated determination and resilience.

The Famous Pit Stop Fire

One of the most dramatic moments involving Jos Verstappen occurred during the 1994 German Grand Prix. During a pit stop, a refuelling malfunction caused fuel to spill onto the car and ignite, creating a sudden fireball around the vehicle and pit crew.

The incident was shocking for spectators and remains one of the most memorable moments in Formula One history. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished quickly, and although several mechanics suffered minor burns, no one was seriously injured. This event later contributed to improvements in pit stop safety procedures within Formula One.

Racing After Formula One

Endurance Racing Career

After leaving Formula One in 2003, Jos Verstappen continued racing in other motorsport disciplines. One of the major events he competed in was the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world. Endurance racing requires exceptional stamina, teamwork, and consistency, making it a challenging yet rewarding environment for experienced drivers.

Transition to Rally Racing

In later years, he shifted his focus to rally racing. Rally competitions differ significantly from circuit racing, requiring drivers to navigate complex terrain and changing road conditions. Jos Verstappen adapted well to rally racing and began competing in European rally events as a private driver. His continued participation demonstrates his passion for motorsport and competitive spirit.

Jos Verstappen Wife

Family Background

Jos Verstappen was raised in a close-knit family environment. His father, Frans Verstappen, played an important role in supporting his early racing career. He also has a sister named Gerda. Family support has remained an important part of his life throughout his career.

Marriages and Relationships

Jos Verstappen has been married several times during his life. His first marriage was to Sophie Kumpen, a Belgian kart racing champion. They married in 1996 and later divorced in 2008. Sophie was also involved in motorsport and contributed significantly to their son’s early development as a driver.

Later, he married Dutch actress Kelly van der Waal in 2014, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2017. He is currently married to Sandy Sijtsma.

Children of Jos Verstappen

Jos Verstappen has five children. The most famous is Max Verstappen, who has become a multiple Formula One world champion and one of the most dominant drivers in the sport.

His other children include:

• Victoria Jane Verstappen

• Blue Jaye Verstappen

• Jason Jaxx Verstappen

• Mila Faye Verstappen

The Verstappen family has become one of the most recognisable families in modern motorsport.

Jos Verstappen’s Role in Max Verstappen’s Career

Perhaps the most significant influence of Jos Verstappen has been his role in developing the career of his son Max. From a young age, he personally trained and mentored Max, guiding him through karting championships and junior racing categories. His experience as a Formula One driver allowed him to provide valuable technical knowledge and advice.

This mentorship played a crucial role in preparing Max Verstappen for the intense pressure of Formula One racing.

Legacy of Jos Verstappen in Motorsport

Although Jos Verstappen did not win a Formula One championship, his influence on the sport remains significant. He helped pave the way for Dutch drivers in Formula One and remains a respected figure within the racing community. His career represents perseverance, dedication, and a lifelong passion for racing.

Today, he continues to be involved in motorsport through rally racing and by supporting his son’s Formula One career.

Conclusion

Jos Verstappen’s journey from karting tracks in the Netherlands to the highest level of international motorsport is a remarkable story of determination and talent. His Formula One career, endurance racing achievements, and transition into rally competition demonstrate his versatility as a driver.

More importantly, his role in shaping the career of Max Verstappen has ensured his lasting place in motorsport history. Through both his personal racing career and his influence on the next generation, Jos Verstappen remains an important figure in the world of racing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jos Verstappen?

Jos Verstappen is a Dutch racing and rally driver who competed in Formula One between 1994 and 2003. He raced for several teams during his career and achieved two podium finishes in Formula One. Today, he is widely recognised in the motorsport world as the father and early mentor of Formula One champion Max Verstappen.

How old is Jos Verstappen?

Jos Verstappen was born on 4 March 1972 in Montfort, Netherlands. As of 2026, he is 54 years old. He began kart racing at the age of eight and progressed through junior racing categories before reaching Formula One in the early 1990s.

Is Jos Verstappen married?

Yes, Jos Verstappen is currently married to Sandy Sijtsma, whom he married in 2018. He was previously married to Sophie Kumpen from 1996 to 2008 and later to Kelly van der Waal from 2014 to 2017.

What is the Jos Verstappen fire incident?

The Jos Verstappen fire incident refers to a dramatic pit stop accident during the 1994 German Grand Prix. While refuelling his Benetton Formula One car, fuel leaked and ignited, creating a large fireball around the vehicle and pit crew. Although the scene looked dangerous, Verstappen and the mechanics escaped with only minor burns.

What is the connection between Fiona Hewitson and Jos Verstappen?

There has been speculation online about a connection between Fiona Hewitson and Jos Verstappen. However, there is no confirmed public evidence that they have a personal or romantic relationship. Most discussions about them appear in social media commentary rather than verified reports.

What is the issue between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner?

Tension between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner became public during the 2024 Red Bull Racing controversy. Jos criticised the team leadership and suggested internal conflict could damage the team. His comments attracted significant media attention within the Formula One community.