Verstappen Family Dominates Motorsports: Jos Claims Belgian Rally Title, Max Triumphs in GT3 Debut




A remarkable weekend in motorsports saw the Verstappen family achieve significant victories across different racing disciplines. Jos Verstappen, the accomplished father of Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen, successfully secured the 2025 Belgian Rally Championship title. This triumph unfolded concurrently with his son, Max Verstappen, who, in a stellar performance, claimed his maiden GT3 victory at the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. These dual achievements underscore the profound talent and competitive spirit embedded within the Verstappen lineage, marking a memorable chapter in their racing careers.
Jos Verstappen Secures Belgian Rally Championship Crown
Veteran racer Jos Verstappen, a respected figure in the rallying world, proudly secured the 2025 Belgian Rally Championship. This significant achievement came during the penultimate round of the series, the East Belgian Rally, where Verstappen and his co-driver Renaud Jamoul navigated their Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 to a commendable third-place finish. This placement was sufficient to seal their championship victory, a testament to their consistent performance and strategic execution throughout the season. Verstappen expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that their primary objective for the rally was to clinch the title, which they successfully accomplished with a cautious yet effective approach to tyre management on the final stages.
Jos Verstappen's journey to the Belgian Rally Championship title was characterized by meticulous preparation and a strong partnership with co-driver Renaud Jamoul. Their collaboration proved instrumental in their success, as noted by Verstappen, who highlighted the enjoyment and competitiveness that defined their working relationship. Despite a conservative tyre strategy in the East Belgian Rally to ensure the championship win, their combined skill and strategic acumen allowed them to maintain a strong position and ultimately secure the title. This victory not only adds another prestigious accolade to Jos Verstappen's illustrious career but also showcases the depth of his talent and dedication to the sport, further cementing the Verstappen name in the annals of motorsport history.
Max Verstappen's Triumphant GT3 Debut
In parallel to his father's rallying success, four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen made an impactful debut in GT3 racing, clinching his first victory at the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife as part of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. Piloting the Verstappen.com x Red Bull-liveried Ferrari 296 GT3, managed by the Swiss team Emil Frey Racing, Verstappen showcased his exceptional driving skills and adaptability to a new racing format. Starting from the third position on the grid, he quickly seized the lead in the opening corner, demonstrating his characteristic aggressive yet controlled racing style. Throughout his stint, Verstappen steadily extended his advantage, building a lead of over a minute after 14 laps before handing the car over to his teammate, Chris Lulham, who adeptly steered it to the checkered flag.
Max Verstappen's performance in his GT3 debut was met with widespread acclaim, with the driver himself describing the experience as "great." He attributed his success to the car's outstanding performance on a dry track, a factor he had anticipated during qualifying. Verstappen's ability to navigate traffic flawlessly and avoid significant errors contributed significantly to their commanding victory. This win not only marks a successful foray into GT3 racing for the young champion but also underscores his versatility and natural talent across various motorsport disciplines. His immediate success in a different category further solidifies his reputation as one of the most formidable and adaptable drivers in contemporary motorsports, demonstrating that his competitive edge extends far beyond the Formula 1 circuit.