Column: Jos Verstappen - No concerns about Max' future

Published on 09 October 2015 by Stefan Meens

Jos Verstappen is still the Netherlands most successful Formula 1 driver. This season he shares his opinions regarding the sport via a column in Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf. Below the latest edition.

"Everyone is asking me and Max about next season and what's going to happen. But it's a question we don't have an answer for. Of course, we're constantly thinking about the future and we're on top of things. But all we can do is wait as ultimately it's Red Bull's decision.

Dieter Mateschitz, Red Bull's owner, has clarified he won't decide if to continue in Formula 1 until the end of October, and if they do with which engine supplier.

For Toro Rosso, Max' team, the deadline set is very late. Toro Rosso is a smaller team than Red Bull Racing with less man power and financial resources. 'We' really need to know sooner what engine they might use in order to still build a good car. It's something that really concerns me.

It might sound weird, but I'm less worried about Max' career in Formula 1, despite the uncertainty of the moment. If I reflect on how Max manifested himself and where he's at now, then I think a career in F1 is fairly secure. But then again, things could pan out differently if Red Bull and Toro Rosso would leave the grid. However, there are rumors that top teams will enter a third car, even Bernie Ecclestone referred to the idea. If that were the case, Max' outlook would obviously change.

But let me emphasize that the best scenario for Max would be to be under Red Bull's wings in the next two years. Because Red Bull have proven they can build an incredibly good car. If Red Bull continue in Formula 1, Max will have a bright future with them.

In the end it's all down to Mateschitz and no one else. I think it could either way. Red Bull has done a lot for Formula 1. I've got the feeling that he hopes F1 wants to take car of him now. I hope the same, but I'm prepared for anything.

Raymond Vermeulen and I discuss these things with Max. I don't think the uncertainty is adding any extra pressure. He knows he's doing a great job and he just has to continue like this. In the last race he once again showed everyone how talented he is.

Unfortunately I think Sochi will be a difficult weekend. It's a fast circuit but not very challenging with many ninety degree turns. It would be nice if he could bank one or two world championship points. I don't think there will be much more up for grabs."

Jos Verstappen

Source: De Telegraaf/Telesport

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