Max Verstappen’s dad Jos in horror rally crash as car smashes into tree

Jos Verstappen, the father of F1 champion Max Verstappen, was involved in a horror rally crash as his car was left wrecked after smashing into a tree

Jos Verstappen miraculously escaped a terrifying car crash at the Rally of Wallonia on Sunday without injury, despite his vehicle being left a mangled wreck after smashing into a tree. Images from the scene show Verstappen’s Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 turned upside down amongst the undergrowth, missing a wheel and severely damaged.

The father of four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen had entered the competition with co-driver Jesper Vermeulen. But disaster struck when their motor slid off the circuit before somersaulting into a tree nearby. Fortunately, no one sustained serious injuries in the accident, with Verstappen confirming to GPblog that he is “all good.”

Reports suggest the vehicle was already carrying damage from an earlier incident during the fourth stage of the rally. Yet the Dutchman managed to stage a spirited fightback that propelled him to third place behind Adrian Fernemont and Maxime Potty by Saturday’s conclusion.

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Nevertheless, he and Vermeulen were compelled to withdraw following Sunday’s smash. A celebrated competition renowned for its skill requirements, the Rally of Wallonia takes place on tarmac surfaces.

The route is high-speed and exceptionally challenging due to tight, winding lanes, plus extremely rapid sections. Verstappen had also been missing his usual co-driver Renaud Jamoul for this year’s edition, who was unavailable following ankle surgery.

This comes as Max’s own future in F1 remains uncertain while racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the Miami Grand Prix. The racing calendar has been suspended this month following the cancellation of events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to continuing Middle East tensions.

That will have given Max ample opportunity to contemplate his prospects, having struggled to adapt to the FIA’s fresh rules and regulations. The 28-year-old has been incredibly vocal about the new format, arguing that the excitement has been drained from racing.

Following a disappointing eighth-place result in Japan, he revealed to the BBC: “I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock. Privately I’m very happy.

“You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”