Jos Verstappen has reassured fans after a major crash during the Rallye de Wallonie, confirming that both he and co-driver Jasper Vermeulen escaped without injury.
The incident took place during the opening special stage of the Belgian Rally Championship event, when their Škoda rally car rolled over on a challenging right-hand corner.
“It was a right-hand bend that I had to take in fourth gear. It was dusty, there was gravel on the surface,” Jos Verstappen explained on the Belgian Rally Championship’s Instagram channel.
“I think I went into the corner a bit too fast, and at the end of the corner, the car broke away. Then we hit a post. The post whipped the car around, and then we landed on the roof.”
Despite the severity of the crash, both Jos Verstappen and Jasper Vermeulen managed to exit the car without assistance.
Read More
Jos Verstappen Shares Health Update
“The most important thing is that Jasper and I came out of the car safely,” Jos Verstappen emphasised. “It was a big impact. But we sit in such safe cars, that shows again. I’m glad we came out of it well.”
The car, however, suffered heavy damage, forcing the duo to retire from the rally immediately.
The 52-year-old former Formula 1 driver competed in 107 Grands Prix between 1994 and 2003. During that time, he raced for teams such as Benetton Formula, Simtek, Arrows, Tyrrell Racing, Stewart Grand Prix and Minardi, securing two podium finishes.
Since retiring from Formula 1, Jos Verstappen has built a steady presence in rallying, competing in both national and international events.
Safety remains the biggest takeaway
While the crash brought an early end to their weekend, the key takeaway is safety.
The incident once again highlights the advancements in modern rally car safety, with both occupants walking away from what looked like a serious accident.
For Jos Verstappen, the result may not have gone his way, but the outcome could have been far worse.
Also Read: Formula E Unveils Gen4 Race Car, Signals Big Leap in Speed and Tech
