Jos Verstappen cautions Red Bull against misleading Max as 2026 engine doubts and F1 pressure mount after Barcelona and Monaco setbacks.
Jos continues to apply pressure on Red Bull Racing and strongly advises the team against lying to his son.
Max Verstappen Won’t Wait Long
His son Max faced another disappointment in qualifying yesterday, clocking the fifth fastest time (starting fourth on the grid after Lewis Hamilton’s penalty). The Red Bull RB21 even lapped slower than last year.
“It’s disappointing, but Monaco remains a unique case; we shouldn’t draw too many conclusions from this race. McLaren is where it belongs, but Ferrari hasn’t become brilliant in three days.”
“The Imola race was very encouraging for Max. If everything goes well in Barcelona as the team says (with the new rule on flexible wings), I am hopeful. For the rest of the year, but also for Max’s future with Red Bull. He enjoys it there.”
For Max Verstappen, it is not merely a matter of comfort or loyalty. Jos emphasizes that his son wants to keep progressing and could seek a new challenge if things go poorly after Barcelona.
“He’s not the type to sit at the back for a year. Then, we’ll see an unhappy Max.”
“What’s the alternative? For now, only McLaren is better…”
Engine Truth Matters Most
The Verstappens are aware that the engine will become the most crucial factor in 2026. Several manufacturers have reported difficulties with the power delivered by both electric and combustion engines over long stints.
“At Red Bull, they are optimistic about their own power unit. One might then wonder what they are basing that on. On the other hand, they don’t want to delude themselves, and neither does Max,” says Jos.
“It wouldn’t be wise to lie to him if they want to keep him onboard.”
Max Verstappen recently visited the Red Bull engine facility in Milton Keynes, where he was given a tour. According to Jos, everything seemed impressive, but he cautions that this does not necessarily guarantee the engine’s performance.
“I repeat: if things unfold as we’ve been told, like in Imola for the rest of the season, we’ll be satisfied. And Max has always been very loyal.”
Jos Steps Back Quietly
Jos Verstappen is therefore back in the paddock in Monaco, but this is his first appearance in F1 since pre-season testing in Bahrain.
“Sometimes, it would have been better if I hadn’t been there,” the Dutchman admitted.
“I read that I was being kept away from Max and the team. People make things up.”
“We talk every day and our bond is very strong. But Max has his own life, just as I do, and I don’t want to be a father who interferes in everything. Over the years, I’ve learned that you have to let things take their course.”
“This is also due to my rally career, which I enjoy a lot. In addition, my wife has health problems, so I want to be there for her too.”
“I think everyone also knows that I find Formula 1 less exciting than before. But the most important thing is that Max is in the right place and that everything proceeds as usual.”
“I don’t need to be there either. I can very well live without Formula 1.”
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