Featured Image Credit: @433_marc
Topics: Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Helmut Marko, Formula 1
Tom Jenkins
Topics: Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Helmut Marko, Formula 1
Footage of a young Max Verstappen being forced to drive his go-kart in the rain has emerged following his wet weather masterclass at the Brazil Grand Prix.
Verstappen took a giant step towards his fourth consecutive F1 title on Sunday, as he went from 17th to 1st in one of the greatest wet weather performances in the sport's history.
The Brazil Grand Prix was littered with incidents as drivers were unable to cope with the slippery conditions with even Lewis Hamilton skidding onto the grass.
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However, Verstappen was a cut above the rest and extended his lead to 19 seconds despite only taking the lead on lap 42 and set 17 separate fastest laps in the process.
Whilst many were blown away by Verstappen's ability in the wet, it's no coincidence that the three-time world champion is a master in the rain, and footage from his early career backs that up.
Footage from a documentary shared on X shows a young Verstappen flying around a wet track on his own after his father, Jos Verstappen, ordered him to 'toughen up'.
"As soon as it started to rain everyone went to the cafeteria," said Red Bull chief Helmut Marko in the clip.
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"There was just one car going round and round in the rain and that was Max."
Marko explained the brutal training Jos (former F1 driver between 1994-2003) would put Verstappen through to make sure he improved his wet-weather driving.
"As long as his fingers weren't completely frozen he had to drive," Marko continued.
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Verstappen was also featured in the clip and explained exactly what his Dad said to him before these intense sessions in the wet.
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"That's what my Dad said 'Come on, toughen up a bit you have to bite through it. If you're cold you put your fingers on the exhaust', you know before the gloves start melting and go out again," Verstappen explained.
Many have criticised Jos Verstappen for how he treated Verstappen during his karting days, but there is no doubt that the excessive training has made the difference time and time again.