Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, has spoken out over the rumours involving Red Bull CEO Adrian Newey.
Jos Verstappen, the father of Max Verstappen, has finally discussed the possibility of Red Bull Chief Technology Officer Adrian Newey quitting the team. One year before his contract is supposed to expire, at the end of the current season, the 65-year-old design chief is apparently planning to leave Christian Horner’s team.
Jos Verstappen has previously brought attention to the ongoing power struggle that is reportedly the reason behind Newey’s departure from Red Bull. Following the episode in which Horner was absolved of any inappropriate behaviour after being accused of it, Jos had demanded that Horner quit his job as team principal.
Max Verstappen is on track to win a fourth world championship for Red Bull, but the fallout has marred the start of the team’s season. An appeal is reportedly still pending.
Nevertheless, since Newey created the vehicles that Verstappen has won so handily, his departure has sparked concerns about the future. Furthermore, Red Bull is about to lose talent, as his father Jos is well aware of.
“Normally, I wouldn’t discuss it. I mean, what more can I say? I have no further information on it,” Jos said to Racexpress. “I am aware that he and Red Bull essentially have an agreement (until 2025). I’m not able to comment on the remainder; we’ll see about that. We are all aware of his accomplishments and excellence.”
Jos also discussed his son’s future, which has been less solid than one may have thought a few months ago. His father expressed strong interest in his son and stated that all choices will be considered going ahead.
Even though Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull through 2028, he has not wavered from his belief that his car’s performance is what matters and will determine his future.
However, his father is aware that rival teams must be taken into account in light of anticipated rule changes in 2026 that will favour Mercedes and Ferrari over Red Bull, perhaps opening the door for a possible exit with Newey.
Jos said, “I think everyone really wants Max.” “I believe that right now Max is in a wonderful place. He drives a fast car, but we need to do more research. We are allowing everything to happen to us because we are also considering 2026. We’re going to maintain our composure and wait and see.”
