Jos Verstappen, father of Formula One champion Max Verstappen, survived a significant crash while competing in the Rallye de Wallonie in Belgium on Sunday.

Rallye de Wallonie Crash Details

The 54-year-old, who is the reigning Belgian national rally champion, lost control of his Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 and collided with a tree. This resulted in his retirement from the race. Verstappen was partnered with Jasper Vermeulen for this event, as he was not with his regular co-driver, Renaud Jamoul.

Both Verstappen and Vermeulen escaped the wreckage unharmed, despite the car sustaining substantial damage, including a detached wheel and structural damage. The crash occurred on a particularly challenging section of the rally, known for its fast straights and tight corners.

History of Crashes

This isn’t the first time Jos Verstappen has walked away from a major crash. In 2023, he survived another incident during the Royal Rally of Scandinavia in Sweden, part of the FIA European Rally Championship. He admitted to misjudging a corner and losing control, resulting in a roll into a ditch.

Beyond the Track

Prior to his rally career, Verstappen was a Formula 1 driver in the 1990s and early 2000s. He later achieved success in endurance racing, winning the LMP2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2008.

Verstappen has also been a vocal presence in Formula 1, particularly during the controversy surrounding former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. He publicly criticized Horner’s leadership, expressing concerns about the team’s stability amid allegations of inappropriate behavior. Horner eventually stepped down from his role in September 2023.