Jos Verstappen’s Škoda Flips at Rally: What We Know About the Crash

Incident at the Rallye de Wallonie

According to Главком: Jos Verstappen and his co-driver Jasper Vermeulen walked away unharmed after their Škoda overturned during the opening stage of the Rallye de Wallonie. The crash happened when the car hit a post and rolled onto its roof. The accident forced an immediate halt to the stage due to damage to the vehicle.

Jos Verstappen’s Racing Background

Now 54, the Dutch driver is best known as the father of four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. Jos himself raced in F1 from 1994 to 2003. In 2008, he won the LMP2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and last year he became the Belgian rally champion.

Reflecting on the crash, Verstappen said:

'It was a right-hand corner I should have taken in fourth gear. There was dust, and gravel on the surface. I think I entered the turn a bit too fast, and the car slid on the exit. Then we hit a post. The post spun the car around, and we landed on the roof.' - Jos Verstappen

He added: 'The most important thing is that Jasper and I got out safely. It was a heavy impact. But we sit in such safe cars-that was proven again. I’m glad we’re okay.'

The incident underscores the critical role of safety in motorsport. Despite the violent crash, both occupants were unscathed, highlighting how modern safety technologies can significantly reduce injury risks. Jos Verstappen, an experienced driver, emphasized that today’s high-safety vehicles can be lifesaving, even in extreme scenarios.

Such accidents also prompt a review of competition safety protocols, aiming to further protect participants in the future.