Jos has set Red Bull the target of helping his son Max Verstappen retain the Formula 1 Drivers’ title in 2025 if the team wants to secure the Dutchman’s services long-term.
Verstappen went on to secure his fourth successive Drivers’ title in 2024 amid a difficult campaign plagued by balance issues with his Red Bull RB20.
Although Verstappen was able to fall back on his generational talent to get title number four over the line, next season he likely won’t have the benefit of starting the campaign with the strongest car.
That’s because, after a routine start to the 2024 campaign, Red Bull was caught up in the development race by Constructors’ Champions McLaren and runners-up Ferrari.
Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull through 2028, but Verstappen Sr has made it clear ties could be severed early if a 2025 title condition isn’t met.
When probed on Verstappen’s Red Bull future at Formule1.nl, Verstappen Sr replied: “A lot also depends on what happens here at Red Bull.
“Look, if they get it right again next year and we are competing at the front, Max will just stay,” he added.
Christian Horner himself said following Verstappen clinching the title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix “It’s down to us to deliver and I’m sure that we’ll provide him a car that he can fight again for the championship next year.”
Verstappen meanwhile, told Viaplay he’s happy where he is at the moment, saying “I am also very loyal to my own team and I just feel at home there.
“There’s really not a whole lot to gain [moving on] at this point.”
Could 2026 change Verstappen’s future with Red Bull?
One crucial factor that could determine Verstappen’s future with Red Bull is the introduction of the Milton Keynes-based squad’s new powertrains division.
Red Bull will develop its own engines in time for the 2026 rules reset, which will see an increased focus on electrical output from the hybrid power unit.
In what could be an engine-dominated formula, Red Bull is taking the risk of being uncompetitive against experienced power unit rivals Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda.
Verstappen Sr, however, isn’t ready to speculate on this, saying “Nobody knows how good the engine and car will really be in 2026. You only find out when it’s actually on the track.”
In light of a customer team, McLaren, winning this year’s Constructors’ title, Verstappen Sr was asked whether it would be better to remain in a works team or not in 2026.
“Well, everyone makes their own car,” he replied.
“Now look at McLaren and Mercedes. Are you better off with a Mercedes engine then? Well, not at the moment.
“But of course, that’s also exactly the competition you’re in.
“That’s also the beauty of the sport, that you can also just make the wrong decisions. And that has never been different in Formula 1.”
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