F1 News: Max Verstappen's Father Suffered Serious Health Issues During 2023 Season

Verstappen, father of F1 star Max Verstappen, successfully overcame a serious health issue in 2023

Jos Verstappen, father of the 3-time F1 champion Max Verstappen, underwent a significant heart operation in 2023. This development temporarily side-lined the former F1 driver but has since seen a positive recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• Health Scare: Jos Verstappen experienced a health scare earlier in 2023, requiring heart surgery. Despite the challenges, he has recovered and is now feeling well.
• Missed Races: Due to the surgery, Jos was unable to attend some of the Grands Prix in person but continued to support his son's endeavours from afar.
• Personal Reflection: The experience led Jos to reflect on life, emphasising the importance of family and the skilled specialists who assisted in his recovery.

Red Bull Press Image

In an intimate disclosure, Jos Verstappen, father of 3-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, underwent a critical heart operation earlier this year. The health issue presented a significant challenge for the Verstappen family, especially during the intense F1 season. Jos, a former F1 driver himself, had to miss attending some of the races in person, an unusual circumstance for the dedicated father.

"It's annoying what I had, but now I'm fully fit again," Jos Verstappen stated. 

This positive news is a sigh of relief not only for the Verstappen family but also for the fans who have followed the senior Verstappen's career, which includes stints at Benetton, Arrows, and Simtek. 

Jos elaborated on the emotional toll of the surgery:

"An operation on your heart is always exciting, you are then dependent on other people and that is never nice." 

He acknowledged the expertise of the medical professionals who played a crucial role in his recovery. 

"Anyway, these specialists know what they are doing. That puts things into perspective and makes you appreciate things even more.

"I have a nice wife and two children with whom I want to do nice things for as long as possible."

In recent races, Jos has been spotted back in Red Bull's pit box, signalling a return to his familiar role within the paddock.