Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen may be celebrating another triumphant season, but his father, Jos Verstappen, isn’t letting Red Bull off the hook. With Red Bull’s dominance under threat, Jos has warned that the Milton Keynes-based team has significant work to do to secure a fifth title for his son.
“Things Have to Improve,” Jos Warns Red Bull
Despite Max Verstappen clinching his fourth consecutive title, 2024 proved to be far from smooth sailing for Red Bull. Speaking on the official Max Verstappen website, Jos Verstappen didn’t hold back, stating:
“Of course, we hope that he can [win again], but he’s not in the fastest car, otherwise he would win all the races. Things have to improve to be competitive next year. The team knows what needs to change, so it’s up to them to get it together.”
Jos’s comments echo concerns raised throughout the season, where Red Bull’s RB20 struggled to maintain its edge against resurgent McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
A Season of Two Halves
Red Bull started the 2024 campaign strong, winning four of the first five races and looking poised to replicate their 2023 dominance. But from the Miami Grand Prix onward, cracks began to show. McLaren emerged as a serious threat, Ferrari ramped up its pace, and Mercedes delivered standout performances, leaving Red Bull fighting to keep up.
Max’s 10-race winless streak from Spain to Sao Paulo highlighted the RB20’s vulnerabilities. Yet, Verstappen’s skill helped salvage crucial points, including an unforgettable performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he charged from 17th on the grid to victory in treacherous wet conditions.
Jos’s Faith Restored in Brazil
The elder Verstappen admitted that his confidence wavered during Red Bull’s mid-season struggles. However, Max’s breathtaking performance in Brazil rekindled his belief:
“We had a lead, but it all depended on the development of the car. I wasn’t always positive, but Max showed everyone what he’s made of, especially in Brazil. What he did there was unreal and really won him this title.”
A Nervous Las Vegas Finale
While Verstappen sealed the championship in Las Vegas, Jos watched from home due to illness. Even from afar, the nerves were palpable:
“I was nervous. I woke up at four in the morning and couldn’t sleep. There’s always that tension, but he did it. Maybe not in the way Max would’ve wanted, but the main thing is that he did.”
2025: A Bigger Challenge Awaits
With Red Bull set to face even stiffer competition in 2025, Jos Verstappen’s comments underscore the importance of significant improvements at the team. As Max continues to cement his place among F1’s all-time greats, Red Bull must step up to ensure their champion has the tools to maintain his reign.
Christian Horner has assured fans that Red Bull is ready for the challenge:
“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.”
But with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes closing in, Red Bull’s dominance is far from guaranteed. The stakes are higher than ever as the team enters 2025 aiming to meet Jos Verstappen’s demand: to “get it together” and keep Max on top.
