Jos Verstappen has given the first indications on whether his son Max will remain in Formula 1 following the high-profile departure of GianPiero Lambiase for McLaren in 2028.
The departure of Lambiase to McLaren is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from Red Bull in recent years, as its once all-conquering dream team is dismantled by rivals.
He joins the likes of Christian Horner, Jonathan Wheatley, and Adrian Newey, all of which have made an exit in the last 18 months.
The turmoil comes at a time when Max Verstappen is considering walking away from the sport due to displeasure with the regulations, now compounded by losing his closest working colleague.
Father Jos revealed that he and Max knew about the impending departure of Lambiase, confirming they both told him to embrace the opportunity at McLaren.
“We knew for a while and we also knew when it was going to happen,” Jos said to RaceXpress.
“We have another year and a half to two years to work with him. It’s a huge opportunity for him, so we understand.
“We also told him to do it and grab it with both hands. Beyond that, it’s up to Red Bull to replace him. We will see.”
Will Max stay?
On the delicate subject of whether Max will stay in the sport or pursue his rapidly growing list of motorsport ventures, Jos admitted the dynamic in Red Bull had now shifted.
He confirmed that despite this latest setback, he believes Max will continue to race on, but added his son would have to decide on his next steps.
“I think things have changed,” he said.
“Certainly after four championships you have achieved a lot together, but that is up to Max. However, I think he will just continue.”
There is no sugarcoating the fact that Lambiase’s departure hits the Verstappen camp hard, arguably as much as Helmut Marko’s. Both have worked with the four-time world champion across his successful tenure with Red Bull, but Lambiase represented the last remaining element of stability.
At a time when Red Bull is facing an uphill battle to convince Verstappen to stay in F1, Lambiase’s departure could not come at a worse time.
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