Max Verstappen's father Jos has revealed his relief at seeing his son "having fun again" as he mounts an unlikely challenge for a fifth F1 drivers' title with four race weekends remaining.
The Dutchman trails championship leader Lando Norris by 36 points going into this weekend's São Paulo Grand Prix, but Jos Verstappen believes the transformed atmosphere inside Red Bull has given him renewed confidence in his son's prospects.
"The atmosphere in the team is completely different," he told De Telegraaf. "I have good contact with team principal Laurent Mekies, and it gives me a lot of peace of mind now that I see how much fun Max is having again. He's in good hands."
The elder Verstappen's comments highlight the dramatic turnaround since the summer break, when Max's title hopes appeared all but extinguished amid Red Bull's struggles with the RB21.
"He turned an inferior car into a winning car," said Verstappen Sr. "That's unique. I think it's noticeable now, because the difference with the second-place driver is enormous.
"The fact that he even has a chance at the world title is a huge bonus. Especially compared to the situation around the summer break. But Max is very open and relaxed about it. I think that's the best approach."
Verstappen Sr was particularly impressed by his son's resilience last time out in Mexico, where, despite struggling with the car, he secured third place and nearly claimed second.
"That gives him courage," he said. "But given the points difference, it's certainly not in his own hands."
Despite the renewed optimism, practical considerations may prevent him from witnessing a potential fifth championship celebration.
Whilst he will attend this weekend's event at Interlagos, a pre-arranged rally commitment in Kenya means he could miss the final two races.
"I'm not going to cancel that rally in Africa if Max can still become champion," he said. "But if, for example, we were to retire early, I could always fly to Abu Dhabi."
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