Jos Verstappen has delivered a candid verdict on rally co-driving: it is a job he would never take on, not even alongside his son and four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen. Fresh from clinching the 2025 Belgian Rally Championship, the Dutchman underlined the unique pressure borne by navigators and the absolute trust required inside the cockpit.
A driver’s respect for the co-driver’s burden
In rallying, the co-driver sits beside the driver and feeds pace notes at high speed, acting as a second pair of eyes and a constant stream of instruction. Verstappen Sr. praised the role but stressed he would not sit next to anyone else, including Max, highlighting how exposed navigators are. As he put it, he starts each day with a prayer — a reminder, he says, that the person giving the notes must be even bolder than the one at the wheel.
Jamoul: the navigator still has control
Verstappen took the Belgian title with co-driver Renaud Jamoul, who emphasised that a top navigator is not a passenger but a partner. The pair’s success, Jamoul suggested, rests on complete trust and clear authority over the rhythm and sequencing of the notes. While the navigator lacks pedals and a steering wheel, he insisted he still exerts control by telling the driver what to do and when — a dynamic that only works when both sides are fully aligned.
Context: why co-driving isn’t for everyone
- Relentless information flow leaves no room for hesitation.
- Split-second timing and accuracy are vital to safety and speed.
- Trust is paramount, particularly on unfamiliar or changing surfaces.
For Verstappen Sr., the verdict is simple: he will keep driving — and keep respecting the navigators who dare to call the shots at rally speed.
