Jos Verstappen escapes unharmed after severe Rally of Wallonia crash
Former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen has escaped without injury after his car flipped and collided with a tree during a severe crash at the Rally of Wallonia on Sunday.
The Dutchman, father of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, was competing alongside co-driver Jesper Vermeulen when their vehicle slid off the circuit.
Images from the accident scene showed their Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 overturned in foliage with severe structural damage and a torn-off wheel.
Despite the heavy impact, the rally veteran confirmed to GPblog that he was entirely unharmed following the terrifying incident.
“All good.”
Impressive fightback cut short
The duo were forced to withdraw from the tarmac event following the high-speed collision.
It concluded a dramatic weekend for the driver, whose vehicle was already carrying damage from an earlier incident during the fourth stage.
He had managed an impressive recovery drive on Saturday to reach third place behind leaders Adrian Fernemont and Maxime Potty before disaster struck.
The Wallonia route is renowned for its technical challenges, combining exceptionally tight, winding roads with remarkably quick sections.
Late co-driver change
The former grand prix racer was competing without his usual navigator for this year’s edition of the demanding event.
Regular co-driver Renaud Jamoul was unavailable to participate as he continues his recovery following surgery on an ankle problem.
Fortunately, neither the stand-in Vermeulen nor the driver sustained any serious injuries when their campaign came to an abrupt end.
Meanwhile, his son Max continues to navigate a turbulent period in his own Formula 1 career amid speculation regarding his long-term future in the sport.
The Red Bull superstar recently questioned the expanding calendar and sweeping regulation changes, admitting that enjoyment has occasionally been stripped out of racing.
“You also wait for 24 races. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
