Jos Verstappen has never shied away from saying what he thinks about Max Verstappen’s career and his future at Red Bull Racing.
Red Bull spent the aftermath of the Las Vegas Grand Prix celebrating Max Verstappen and his latest extraordinary achievement.
A fifth-place finish was all Verstappen needed to secure a fourth consecutive world championship.
It’s a feat only a handful of drivers have achieved in Formula 1 history and the second time a Red Bull driver has managed to accomplish winning four straight titles after Sebastian Vettel.
However, Max and his father Jos Verstappen have always strived for perfection throughout their racing careers and Red Bull’s performance this season hasn’t lived up to expectations.
Verstappen has almost won the title despite Red Bull, unlike in 2023 when he was handed the most dominant car in the sport’s history.
Jos Verstappen has accused Christian Horner of glossing over serious issues this year and hasn’t shied away from linking his son to some of Red Bull’s competitors.
In an interview with Formule1.nl, Verstappen explained what he wants to see from Red Bull for Max to commit his future to the team beyond next year.
Jos Verstappen makes Red Bull demand to guarantee Max Verstappen’s future
It should be said Verstappen’s Red Bull contract runs until 2028, but there would be no shortage of suitors if he seeks an early exit.
Red Bull contracts offered senior figures the chance to let drivers go when they see fit, but Verstappen is likely to have a similar break clause on his side as well.
Asked about the 27-year-old’s future, Jos Verstappen said: “A lot depends on what happens here at Red Bull. Look, if they can do it again next year and we’re at the front, then Max will simply stay.
“I do have the idea that things are going well, still.
“And that they absolutely want to continue. I don’t think they are thinking about stopping.
READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
“The fact that they are going to develop their own engine from 2026 also shows where they stand.
“Then you commit yourself for the long term. You don’t make such a huge investment for a few years. For Red Bull, Formula 1 is still the ultimate marketing machine.
Jos was then asked if he had heard anything about the upcoming Red Bull Powertrains project, which will have a significant impact on the team’s competitiveness going into the new ruleset.
He said: “Haha, yes, but you don’t make an investment like that if you’re not sure about it.”
Max Verstappen unlikely to follow the path of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton in F1
Verstappen has already confirmed his position among Formula 1’s greatest drivers and has the potential to break every record in the sport should be want to.
However, despite Verstappen suggesting his ultimate goal is to win eight titles, that doesn’t motivate him to spend the next decade in the sport.
READ MORE: Jos Verstappen says one aspect of Formula 1 is now becoming ‘too much’ for son Max Verstappen
The 27-year-old has other passions and Verstappen spoke to Sebastian Vettel about his Le Mans test as that’s another series he’s previously shown an interest in competing in.
For these reasons, while Verstappen wants to stay at Red Bull for his entire F1 career, he won’t want to hang around for years waiting for the team to develop a competitive car.
It puts further pressure on Christian Horner and given Red Bull’s academy doesn’t appear to have the next Verstappen among its ranks, they need to keep the Dutchman onside for as long as possible.
Leave feedback about this