Jos Verstappen shares health update after massive rally accident

A narrow escape in Wallonia

Former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen and his co-driver Jasper Vermeulen have emerged unscathed following a high-speed accident during the opening special stage of the Rallye de Wallonie. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, saw their Škoda roll after encountering treacherous conditions on a challenging right-hand bend.

“It was a right-hand bend that I had to take in fourth gear. It was dusty, there was gravel on the surface,” Verstappen explained via the Belgian Rally Championship’s social media channels. “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.”

Safety systems prove their worth

“The most important thing is that Jasper and I came out of the car safely,” 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.”

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in rallying, a discipline Verstappen has pursued with regularity since concluding his 107-start Formula 1 career. Having competed for teams such as Benetton, Arrows, and Minardi between 1994 and 2003, the Dutchman has successfully transitioned into the world of rallying, often pairing with experienced navigators like Vermeulen to tackle both national and international stages.

As the motorsport community reflects on the weekend's events, the focus remains on the safety of the competitors. This follows recent discussions regarding the dangers of the sport, including the tragic loss of driver Juha Miettinen at the Nürburgring and the recent spectator fatality at the Rally Sudamericano in Argentina. For more on the broader context of rallying safety and recent events, you can read our coverage of the tragedy at the Rally Sudamericano.