Verstappen reflects on father’s role after first 2026 win
GPBeat reports that Max Verstappen said his father Jos remains in the background despite not attending every race, after Verstappen’s first win of 2026 at Sepang. Verstappen also said Red Bull had kept working to fix the car’s issues; the victory was the first for Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
Max Verstappen won Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at Sepang, then reflected on the years he and his father Jos had spent working towards a shared Formula 1 goal. He said the two understand each other well. The victory was his first of the 2026 season and the first for Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
At the post-race press conference, Verstappen was asked about his father’s reaction to the milestone. He said Jos remains a presence in the background, although he does not attend every race. When Jos is there, they talk a lot about everything, Verstappen said, adding that his father knows everything.
Verstappen guessed that the beginning of the 2026 season had not been pleasant for his father to watch. He said he himself had not enjoyed driving the car. He credited Red Bull’s progress, saying the team had kept working to fix the car’s problems; he described the team spirit as very good.
The win was Verstappen’s 72nd career victory.
Sources 02
- SOURCEMax Verstappen reflects on emotional Jos Verstappen reaction after milestone win in SepangMotorsport.com F1
- PRIMARY SOURCEVerstappen ‘incredibly proud’ after historic Bahrain GP winFormula 1
Claims and supporting evidence 7
The race and win milestones are reported directly.
This is Verstappen’s description of their relationship and shared goal.
Motorsport.com records the timing and subject of the question.
These are attributed remarks from Verstappen about his father.
The wording preserves Verstappen’s qualification and his account of his own experience.
These are Verstappen’s attributed comments and assessment.
Formula 1 gives the career victory total.
Corrections and updates to this story
Verstappen reflects on father’s role after first 2026 win
Update: Added Verstappen’s comments that Jos remains in the background and knows everything, plus his remark that Red Bull kept working to fix the car’s issues. / Bijgewerkt: Ook toegevoegd zijn Verstappens opmerkingen dat Jos op de achtergrond blijft en alles weet, plus zijn uitspraak dat Red Bull aan de problemen met de auto bleef werken.
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