Jos Verstappen warns Red Bull of ‘unhappy Max’ if he can't win

After a period of uncertainty and rumors about a possible departure of Max Verstappen from Red Bull, his father Jos voices cautiously positive sounds for the first time. The four-time world champion secured a convincing victory in Imola, which also made his father optimistic.

“The race in Imola was very encouraging. If things also go well in Barcelona, I have good hope. For the rest of the year, but also for Max's future at Red Bull. He enjoys it here,” he says in conversation with De Telegraaf.

Yet, for Max, it's not just a matter of comfort or loyalty. Jos emphasizes that his son wants to keep performing. “He's not the type to just ride around in the back for a year. Then you get to see an unhappy Max,” he explains.

What's the alternative then? At this moment, only McLaren is better, he emphasizes, but a move to the Woking-based team is not on the cards. New regulations are coming in next year and it is still a big question mark which F1 team will have their affairs in order.

Verstappen knows that the engine will become the most crucial factor in 2026. Various manufacturers have indicated difficulties with the power output between the electric and the combustion sides of the engine.

“Here at Red Bull, they are positive about their own power unit. Then you might wonder what that is based on. On the other hand, they do not want to deceive themselves, and Max, either. That wouldn't seem wise if they want to keep him on board,” says Jos.

Max Verstappen recently visited the Red Bull engine factory in Milton Keynes, where he was given a tour. According to Jos, it all looked impressive, but at the same time, he warns that it doesn’t necessarily say anything about the performance of the power unit. “Again: if it goes as in Imola, we are satisfied. And Max has always been very loyal.”