Despite Max Verstappen securing his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship, his father, Jos, has urged Red Bull to make significant improvements to ensure continued success in 2025.
Verstappen was crowned at the Las Vegas Grand Prix last weekend, with two races to spare, but the path to the championship was far from smooth.
After a dominant start to the season, where the Dutchman and Red Bull won four of the first five races, the RB20 struggled to maintain its early advantage.
McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes emerged as strong challengers, with Red Bull enduring a 10-race winless streak between the Spanish and Sao Paulo Grands Prix.
In an interview on the official Max Verstappen website, Jos expressed his concerns about Red Bull's performance, urging the Milton Keynes-based outfit to “get it together” next season.
“Nobody can answer that,” he said when asked if his son can bag a fifth consecutive world title in 2025.
“Of course, we hope that he can, 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 acknowledged that his son’s exceptional talent and relentless determination were crucial factors in securing the title, but emphasized the need for a more competitive car to maintain dominance.
“We had a lead, but it all depended on the development of the car,” he added. “I wasn’t always positive, but Max showed everyone what he’s made off, especially in Brazil.
“What he did there was unreal and really won him this title.”
©RedBull
Max’s drive from 17th to first at a rain-soaked Interlagos was hailed as one of the season’s defining moments, showcasing his exceptional skill under pressure.
The elder Verstappen watched the Las Vegas Grand Prix from home while battling the flu, admitting he felt anxious about the outcome.
“I was nervous, I woke up at four in the morning and couldn’t sleep”, he said.
“There is always that tension, but he did it. Maybe not in the way Max would’ve wanted it, but the main thing is that he did.
“I wasn’t feeling great; I had a bit of a flu. So I’d rather stay away so I don’t pass it on to Max. There’s also the time difference and I’m having to do some prep for a race myself.”
Red Bull’s path to future championships is expected to be more challenging as rivals continue to close the gap.
With a competitive grid and shifting dynamics, 2025 promises to test both Max Verstappen’s skill and Red Bull Racing’s resolve. Whether they can "get it together," as Jos urged, remains to be seen.
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