Jos Verstappen, father of four-time world champion Max Verstappen, conveyed optimism about Red Bull’s improvements during the recent winter testing, emphasizing the team’s renewed sense of stability. Speaking to RTBF in Bahrain, he stressed that while the testing phase provides early indications, it is still premature to make definitive assessments about their performance.
Encouraging Signs from Red Bull’s New Power Unit
Red Bull has started its partnership with Ford for the power unit, attracting particular attention and praise from competitors. Jos Verstappen noted the engine’s reliability and performance during testing, suggesting the developments show promise ahead of the opening race.
You never see what’s behind the tests, but I must say I’m satisfied with what’s happening. Especially when you look at the engine. It’s performing well and is reliable. In the first race, we’ll see where it really stands.
?Jos Verstappen, Father of Max Verstappen
He acknowledged minor adjustments remain but confirmed the power unit is accumulating mileage efficiently without major issues.
We’re happy. A few minor issues. Of course, there are always some adjustments to make, but for now, it’s working perfectly. It’s racking up the miles. It’s promising.
?Jos Verstappen, Father of Max Verstappen
Team Leadership Changes Restore Calm and Collaboration
Following a difficult period marked by off-track controversies involving Christian Horner in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Jos highlighted the positive impact of new team principal Laurent Mekies’s arrival. According to him, Mekies has been key in improving the work atmosphere and restoring harmony within Red Bull.
We are very happy with it. The team is working very well. There are many new arrivals, many new faces. The atmosphere in the team is excellent. Fortunately, calm has returned. This has a positive effect on the whole team.
?Jos Verstappen, Father of Max Verstappen
Jos praised Mekies for his leadership qualities and personal skills, emphasizing his ability to understand people and technical data alike.
He has excellent interpersonal skills. He knows how to understand people well. They can’t fool him, and neither can we, because he understands the data perfectly. On top of that, he’s simply an extraordinary guy.
?Jos Verstappen, Father of Max Verstappen
Former Driver Credits Horner for Engine Project Foundation
Ivan Capelli, a former Ferrari driver, acknowledged Christian Horner’s role in keeping the engine project alive by convincing Honda engineers to remain involved and recruiting key experts from Mercedes. Capelli praised the quality of the personnel managing the new engine.
Credit must be given to Christian Horner, who had persuaded Honda engineers to stay on over the last few years while at the same time luring key specialists from Mercedes,
he told Sky Italia.
And yes, in the end the engine is new, but the project was handled by highly qualified employees.
?Ivan Capelli, Former Ferrari Driver
Insights on Max Verstappen’s Views and Family Bond
Addressing remarks made by Max Verstappen, who described the 2026 regulations as producing his least favorite F1 cars so far, Jos noted his son’s candidness and determination.
He says what he thinks, but he also knows what he wants,
Jos said.
There’s more gasoline than blood in his blood. He gives it his all – here and in everything else.
?Jos Verstappen, Father of Max Verstappen
Describing their relationship, Jos explained that mutual understanding is strong between them, emphasizing natural communication rather than a formal listening dynamic.
It’s not so much a question of listening, we simply have a very good relationship. We understand each other when we talk.
?Jos Verstappen, Father of Max Verstappen
Looking Ahead to Red Bull’s Upcoming Season
The signs of renewed Red Bull stability and promising engine reliability point toward a hopeful start to the upcoming Formula 1 season, with leadership changes boosting team morale. The continued cooperation of experienced engineers and technical specialists suggests the team is well-positioned to tackle the challenges ahead. As the season unfolds, race-day performance will reveal the true extent of the progress Jos Verstappen has witnessed during testing.
