After weeks of speculation and concern among Formula 1 fans, Jos Verstappen—former F1 driver and father of reigning world champion Max Verstappen—has shared the emotional reason behind his noticeable absence from recent races. In an official statement released earlier today, Jos confirmed that his wife has been battling serious health issues, and that he has stepped away from the paddock to support her full-time.

The news has sent ripples through the F1 community, not only shedding light on Jos’s recent disappearance from the race weekends, but also highlighting the deeply human side of a family so often seen in the spotlight for their sporting dominance.

A Difficult Time Behind the Scenes

Fans began noticing Jos’s absence during the Miami, Imola, and Monaco Grand Prix events. Normally a regular presence in the Red Bull garage, often seen observing Max’s every lap with intense focus, Jos’s seat remained empty—leading to growing speculation online.

Today, Jos released an emotionally raw statement via Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf:

“I want to thank everyone who reached out with concern. The truth is, I have been spending my time at home with my wife, who has been facing a serious health issue. This has been a very difficult period for our family, and my place right now is by her side.”

“Max and I talk every day, and he has been incredibly supportive. Racing will always be a big part of my life, but nothing is more important than family.”

While Jos did not go into details regarding the nature of his wife’s illness, he confirmed that she is undergoing treatment and that her condition is being monitored closely.

Max’s Quiet Strength

Despite his father’s absence, Max Verstappen has continued to perform at the highest level, securing podiums and maintaining his lead in the championship standings. However, those close to the Red Bull team say that the Dutch driver has been carrying emotional weight behind the scenes.

A team insider revealed:

“Max is very private, especially when it comes to his family. But everyone in the garage knows that Jos’s absence hasn’t gone unnoticed by him. He’s stayed strong for his team, but this hasn’t been easy.”

During a post-race interview in Monaco, Max was asked about his father’s absence. His response was short but telling:

“Sometimes there are things more important than racing. My dad is where he needs to be right now.”

Outpouring of Support from the F1 Community

The announcement has triggered a wave of support from fans, fellow drivers, and teams alike. Social media has been flooded with messages of encouragement, using hashtags like #StayStrongJos and #VerstappenFamily.

Former F1 driver and pundit Nico Rosberg tweeted:

“Wishing Jos and his family strength and healing. Life off-track always comes first.”

Red Bull Racing released an official message of solidarity:

“Jos has been an integral part of our journey with Max. We send our love and support to him and his family during this time.”

Even rivals joined in the well-wishes. Mercedes-AMG F1 shared a respectful message on X (formerly Twitter):

“Our thoughts are with the Verstappen family. Wishing Jos’s wife a full and speedy recovery.”

A Father’s Journey, a Family’s Bond

Jos Verstappen has been a towering figure in Max’s rise through motorsport, from karting tracks across Europe to the top of the Formula 1 world. Their relationship—at times intense and even controversial—has always been underpinned by deep commitment and love.

Now, in a moment where the cameras are turned away and the grandstands fall silent, Jos has shown that his most important role is not that of coach or mentor—but that of husband and father.

He ended his statement with a simple but powerful message:

“Thank you to everyone who’s supported us. We are taking it one day at a time. And when the time is right, I’ll be back in the paddock cheering for Max—louder than ever.”

Looking Ahead

As the F1 calendar continues with races across Europe, Max Verstappen remains focused on defending his world title. But fans now know that each lap he completes is not only for victory—but for the strength and unity of his family.

In a sport driven by speed, sometimes the most powerful moments are the ones spent standing still—with the ones who matter most.