There are very few people who would be better to learn how to race from than seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher.
Michael Schumacher’s influence helped his son Mick reach Formula 1 with Haas and he appears to have had an influence on Max Verstappen as well.
Jos Verstappen may have come away with as many trophies as Schumacher during his time in F1, but he still managed to reach the pinnacle of motorsport during his career.
The pair were teammates at Benetton in 1994, with Schumacher winning the title and Verstappen finishing 10th in the Drivers’ Championship – albeit he missed six Grand Prix that season.
By the time the 1995 season rolled around, Verstappen had been replaced by Johnny Herbert, but he also stood no chance against the legendary German who won his second title before heading to Ferrari.
Schumacher and Verstappen stayed in touch and their sons Mick and Max were a similar age and both had an early passion for karting.
In an interview with F1 Insider, Jos Verstappen has now explained what impact Schumacher had on his son’s early racing career and the similarities he now sees between the two of them.
Max Verstappen ‘benefitted’ from Michael Schumacher advice during his karting days
Verstappen was asked how good his relationship with Schumacher was after their F1 careers ended and said: “Always good. He made an effort, even after his career.
“We often went karting with our children Mick and Max. Michael made no distinction between Max and Mick.
“If he had something to say, he said it to both of them.
“It’s quite possible that Max also benefitted from these experiences. Max has a lot in common with Michael: uncompromising on the racetrack, but kind, sensitive and caring as a private person.”
READ MORE: The Michael Schumacher advice Jos Verstappen gave to Max after the Mexico City Grand Prix
It’s easy to draw comparisons between Schumacher and Verstappen, with both drivers gaining a reputation for being ruthless and doing whatever it takes to win.
Damon Hill criticised Verstappen’s racing in Mexico City and knew from personal experience what lengths Schumacher would go to if he had a chance to win a championship.
Max Verstappen now aiming to match Michael Schumacher’s most impressive F1 record
Only Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton have won seven world championships, but Verstappen is quickly on the way to matching that incredible feat.
Verstappen’s Red Bull contract ends in 2028 and he could have surpassed both drivers tallies by the time that deal concludes.
However, Schumacher is currently the only driver who has won five titles on the bounce while he was at Ferrari.
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
Schumacher and his best teammate Rubens Barrichello dominated the sport before Fernando Alonso ended their run at the top in 2005.
Verstappen could clinch his fifth title this year, although he’s going to have his work cut out with both McLaren and Ferrari drivers fancying their chances.
But even though Red Bull are likely to start the year on the back foot unless they made serious strides over the winter, it’s hard not to back Verstappen over any of his rivals.
