Jos Verstappen on Max's F1 future after key engineer's exit

Despite the confirmed departure of his long-time race engineer Gianpiero 'GP' Lambiase to McLaren, Max Verstappen's father, Jos, believes the reigning champion will "just continue" in Formula 1. This comes amid Max's vocal criticism of the sport's new regulations and past comments suggesting he might leave the sport if Lambiase did.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's potential early retirement has been a persistent topic, and his dissatisfaction with the current racing product poses a significant credibility challenge for F1's leadership. As the sport's biggest star, his continued participation is crucial for fan engagement and commercial success, making his father's insights and the ongoing regulatory discussions critically important for the championship's future direction.

The details:

• Jos Verstappen's prediction directly contradicts his son's own 2021 statement that he would stop racing when Lambiase, his engineer since his 2016 Red Bull debut, left the team.
• The elder Verstappen cites potential changes to the 2026 regulations as a key factor that could convince Max to stay, stating, "It looks like Formula 1 and the FIA are going to change the regulations after all."
• Driver vs. Engineering: Both Verstappens have been highly critical, arguing the current cars place too much emphasis on energy management and engineering, limiting a driver's ability to make a decisive difference. Jos lamented, "It's not the Formula 1 that Formula 1 stands for, where a lot is demanded of the driver."
• A Fan's Perspective: Jos, a former F1 driver himself, admitted his own enjoyment has waned, saying he sometimes turns off races because they interest him less, highlighting a broader concern about the spectacle.
• Regulatory Response: The FIA and F1 teams are holding meetings throughout April to address elements of the 2026 rules aimed at improving on-track action and safety, a process Jos believes is necessary.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to whether the FIA and F1 can implement meaningful regulatory tweaks that address the drivers' core complaints about drivability and racing.

• If successful, these changes could be pivotal in retaining not only Verstappen but also other drivers who share similar frustrations.
• Lambiase's move to McLaren is set for the end of the 2027 season, giving Red Bull considerable time to manage the transition and for Max to evaluate the evolving competitive and regulatory landscape before making any long-term decisions about his career.