The fourth world title for his son felt different for Jos Verstappen compared to the previous ones. This time, there was no boundless euphoria. The fluctuating performances and the politics behind the scenes had an impact on the team’s dynamics and, consequently, the car. “The team as it was, it’s not the same anymore.”
– Jos, even last season, there was a lot of talk about Max’s future at Red Bull, despite an ongoing contract until 2028. Can you say something about his future plans?
“A lot also depends on what happens here at Red Bull. Look, if they manage to pull it off next year and we’re leading the pack, then Max will simply stay..”
– Do you have any idea how Red Bull Austria views the sponsorship of the F1 team, also in light of all the noise and reputational damage this season? In 2023, they will have been F1 sponsors for 30 years…
“I do have the impression that everything is still fine, even now. And that they absolutely want to continue. I don’t believe they’re thinking about stopping. The fact that they’re going to develop their own engine from 2026 also indicates their commitment. That ties you in for the long term. You don’t make such a massive investment for just a few years. For Red Bull, Formula 1 is the ultimate marketing machine.”
– Everything is for sale, right?
“Haha, yes, but you don’t make such an investment if you’re not sure of your case.
Any idea how the entire trajectory of Red Bull Powertrains is going?
“I actually don’t hear much about it anymore. The program is running and is in line with expectations. No one knows how good the engine and car will really be in 2026. You only find out when it’s actually on the track.”
Jos Verstappen: ‘That’s the beauty of the sport’
Isn’t it generally the case that with the introduction of a new regulation, you’re better off as a driver with a factory team?
“Well, everyone makes their own car. Look at McLaren and Mercedes now? Are you better off with a Mercedes engine? Not at the moment. But that’s exactly the competition you’re in. That’s also the beauty of the sport, that you can also make the wrong decisions. And that’s never been any different in Formula 1.”
On a different note, this was Max Verstappen’s tenth year in Formula 1. Are you a bit nostalgic?
“Not at all.”
Do you ever think back to his first year in Formula 1?
“Not really. I can hardly remember anything about it. Back then he was a young lad, a teenager, a bit lanky. He immediately showed what he was capable of. He did well.”
Setting Boundaries: The Infamous ‘No’ in Singapore
“That was simply an absurd request. Once you start complying with such requests… They know here that it’s not going to happen. We experienced it a year ago in Brazil, when the question came up. Max Verstappen had already discussed it before the trip to Brazil and they were not going to ask. And suddenly, the question came over the radio. Max responded very clearly. He leaves no room for doubt, not even in this regard.”
Lando Norris’ Decision in Hungary
“They must have regretted it later. But it’s hard to comment on that, because you don’t know what’s going on in that team, how the contracts are structured, and what agreements have been made. But if I translate it to Max, I think he would have had trouble letting his teammate pass. But everyone is different and should react in a way that suits them.”
Reflecting on the Season: What Makes You Most Proud of Max?
“How positive he has remained. On and off the track. And also how he interacts with the team. I find it amazing how he has always kept going. He never slackened, not for a second. Very impressive! And he has always remained very positive.”
Doesn’t Sound Like a Mirror Image of His Father?
“Haha, not entirely. But Max is obviously in a different situation than I was as a driver. Max is fighting for a world title, I never made it that far. I am indeed a bit more hot-tempered. But don’t be mistaken, it takes a bit longer with Max. But as I said, when he flares up, it’s quite intense.”
Jos Verstappen: ‘Max Can Completely Switch Off’
“But generally, Max Verstappen is very stable. He goes home after a race weekend and can completely switch off. That’s a remarkable quality. Because of this, he always returns to the team in a positive mood.”
– Has your perception of Red Bull changed over the course of the season?
“The team as it was, is naturally no longer the same, after several veterans have made a career switch. This changes the dynamics for me somewhat. I notice it in myself, I now prefer to be involved in rally sports than to follow the intensive Formula 1 calendar. Look, I want the best for Max. If I go, I go for Max. I come to support him, to have a chat, and simply to show that I’m there for him.”
– Do you generally prefer to be at home? You have rally driving, but you’re also a grandfather now.
“That’s correct, and besides that, I’m also a father. Everyone has their own life, but we all see each other quite a lot and that’s just nice. A pleasant home environment is just as important.”
