Brundle backs Max Verstappen’s instincts after Jos ‘idiot’ jab

Max Verstappen’s side gains support from Brundle after Jos’s ‘idiot’ jab

Martin Brundle has voiced his backing for **Max Verstappen** after Jos Verstappen’s latest public remarks sparked fresh debate inside Formula 1. The Sky Sports pundit called Jos’s comments “idiotic” on 19 July, just days before the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

What did Jos Verstappen say?

Jos Verstappen, **Max Verstappen**’s father and former F1 driver, labelled rival teams and drivers “idiots” in a fiery interview aired on 19 July. His comments came during a Dutch TV segment and zeroed in on what he sees as reckless decisions by rivals. Jos’s outburst followed weeks of tension around Max’s 2026 title fight with **Charles Leclerc**.

And Brundle, who has worked with both men, said Jos’s words crossed a line. “It’s idiotic,” Brundle told Sky Sports F1 on 20 July. “Jos knows the game better than that.” The clash spotlights the pressure on Max ahead of his home race.

Why it matters for Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen heads into the Dutch GP on 25 August with the Drivers’ Championship still up for grabs. His title rivals, led by **Charles Leclerc**, have closed the gap to within 38 points with six rounds left. Jos’s public jabs risk overshadowing Max’s focus on track.

Brundle’s endorsement of Max’s side adds weight. “Max has to tune out the noise,” Brundle said. “He’s the one doing the laps, not the blokes shouting from the sidelines.” The Dutch crowd’s roar at Zandvoort could amplify the pressure on Max to deliver.

What comes next at Zandvoort?

The 25 August Dutch GP looms large for Max Verstappen. Qualifying starts on 23 August, with Red Bull Racing chasing its first home win since 2023. Jos’s comments may fuel more headlines, but the stopwatch doesn’t lie.

Max’s engineer, **Giampaolo Dall’Ara**, said the team is treating the weekend like any other. “We focus on the car, the tyres, the lap times,” Dall’Ara told Motorsport.com on 21 July. “Everything else is secondary.” Still, the Dutch crowd’s passion could push Max to the edge.

And Brundle’s backing won’t hurt. “Max Verstappen is the best we’ve got right now,” Brundle said. “Let him race.”