World champion Max Verstappen’s father has hit back at attempts within Belgium to claim the now world-famous 24-year-old Dutchman as their own. Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver, is Dutch – so he has watched with bemusement as media elements within Belgium laid claim to Max’s ancestry. “In a way, it’s a nice compliment for Max,” Jos told De Telegraaf newspaper. For example, in the eyes of some Belgian media, Max is suddenly a Belgian. Jos admits that his son has dual nationality, but with a Dutch father and a “Dutch racing license, he is slightly more Dutch than Belgium”. If the Netherlands play against Belgium, he is for the Netherlands,” Verstappen added.

Follow MotorMouth on social media:

• 
• 
• 
•