Max Verstappen "misinterpreted," according to his father Jos.

      "Perhaps that's also a result of the current era of social media."

      Jos Verstappen has finally spoken out in defense of his son Max’s character, asserting that the quadruple world champion has not changed and is often misunderstood. In an interview with De Telegraaf, the 52-year-old stated that Max's personality remains the same despite his achievements. "When I talk to Max in private, he’s still the same person he was ten or fifteen years ago," Jos remarked. "I consider that to be very important and wonderful. I take pride in it."

      However, he feels that the public's perception, particularly in the UK, has shifted unfairly. "I think many people, especially the English, have a mistaken view of him – that he’s unpleasant. Maybe that’s also due to the current era of social media. I don’t align with that at all."

      Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, who was involved in last year's internal power struggles, supported Jos' opinion, commending Max’s loyalty when there were rumors about Marko potentially being dismissed. "He’s very loyal and has character," Marko stated. "I’ll always remember that.

      "You know the Verstappens are very straightforward, and a handshake suffices—figuratively speaking, of course. With the amount of money at stake, a contract is indeed necessary," he added with a grin.