Emerson Fittipaldi has highlighted the impact Jos Verstappen’s guidance had on his son Max’s career, comparing it to his own support for his son Emerson Fittipaldi Jr.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, the two-time Formula 1 world champion admitted his approach is less hands-on than Jos’s.
“I think I’m like a kind of coach for him. But not in the great way that Jos Verstappen prepared his son Max for the big work, mind you. I’m more of a supporter,” Fittipaldi said.
“When I’m on the side of the track, I can sometimes give tips if I’ve seen something at a bend or when driving a certain line. I then talk about this with his engineer, for example."
Fittipaldi believes his son is in good hands at MP Motorsport, so his being there at all times is not necessary, highlighting the Dutch junior team's family-like atmosphere and longevous staff as the Dutch team's key strong points.
Fittipaldi tips Verstappen as the man behind the F1 madness in the Netherlands
Fittipaldi also reflected on the strong motorsport culture in the Netherlands, recalling his own first race outside Brazil at Zandvoort in 1969. “Then I already saw that you have a thing for racing."
That 'thing' has now evolved Fittipaldi observed, with one man responsible for the enchantment of the Dutch F1 fans: Max Verstappen.
"And now with Max, of course, the madness has completely erupted. The passion for motorsport in the Netherlands is fantastic."
"I think it’s similar to Brazil. There are two major, popular sports: football and motorsport," which he believes it is wonderful to witness.
Popular on GPBlog
Hamilton makes huge driver contract request as he urges Formula 1 to evolve
Wolff fully backs F1 'fish poisoning savior' wild card to nab 2026 seat
Heavy penalty for Red Bull Racing! This victory is still being taken away!
