Jos Verstappen delivers Red Bull striking Max warning

Jos Verstappen has delivered Red Bull a striking warning that it must deliver his son, Max, with a “predictable” car. 

Max Verstappen had to deal with a troublesome car for the bulk of the 2024 F1 season, which resulted in a shock 10-race winless run – his worst since 2020. 

Due to the impressive points gap he built in the opening rounds where Red Bull were dominant, the 27-year-old had a big enough advantage which he could maintain across the entire season.

However, his father doubts that Max will become a five-time world champion this year, with pressure being applied onto Red Bull to deliver a competitive package. 

“I’m a little doubtful,” Jos told F1-Insider. “Red Bull needs to build a car that is more predictable in all conditions. 

“Looking at the second half of 2024, you can’t be optimistic. Red Bull just hasn’t managed to make the car consistently fast, so why should that be the case this year?”

Ironically, the Milton Keynes-based team’s struggles with the RB20 appeared to start around a similar time to the May 1st announcement of Adrian Newey’s departure

He remained with the company for the remainder of 2024, but working in the background on its hypercar programme. 

Jonathan Wheatley has also left the team, with Jos believing that the departures of the senior figures has led to Red Bull’s issues.

“I think so,” answered Jos. “As for Newey: It is a fact that the car did not improve when he left the team. In particular, the updates no longer worked as intended. 

“I have talked enough about the reasons why the team is in danger of falling apart. Let’s leave it at that. One thing is certain: Red Bull has a big task ahead of it in 2025.”