Jos Verstappen: "We understand Gianpiero Lambiasi..."

      Jos Verstappen, the father of the four-time world champion, reacted to yesterday's news about Gianpiero Lambiase's upcoming move from Red Bull Racing to McLaren in 2028. Naturally, in this context, everyone is curious about the future of Max Verstappen, who has been working with this British engineer for ten years.

      "We found out about this some time ago and are aware that it is supposed to happen, but we will work with him for another year and a half," Verstappen Sr. shared in an interview with the Dutch publication RaceXpress. "For Gianpiero, this is a great opportunity, and we understand him. We even told him: 'You should accept this offer, grab it with both hands.'

      Everything else is up to Red Bull; we'll see who the team finds to replace him."

      When Max first became world champion in 2021, he stated that he would end his career if Lambiase left the team, and when Jos was reminded of this, he said: "I think a lot has changed since then. Four championship titles is certainly a lot, and they achieved it together. What the final stage of their collaboration will be depends on Max, but I think he is set on continuing."

      Verstappen Sr. also commented on his son's interest in endurance racing, as Max is enthusiastically preparing for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring marathon, while openly criticizing the new Formula 1 regulations, which he frankly dislikes.

      "To think that racing in the GT3 category is more interesting than in Formula 1 is madness," Jos believes. "It used to be the other way around. All these guys competing in GT3 really want to feel what Formula 1 is like, but right now, finding such an opportunity is very difficult.

      But I am a racer, and I also think that the new regulations leave much to be desired. Sometimes I even turn off the TV because I find it uninteresting. This kind of Formula 1 contradicts the basic principles of Formula 1 itself if drivers have to frequently slow down, and the results depend much less on their skill...

      This skill should be demonstrated in taking fast corners, for example, in the first sector of the Suzuka track. And in such cars, when the driver constantly has to recharge the battery, it is simply impossible. Overall, I believe that such regulations do not benefit Formula 1."