Jos Verstappen says it is up to Red Bull to deliver next season, as his son looks to equal Michael Schumacher's record-breaking run of five consecutive F1 drivers' titles.
The Dutchman put the ball squarely in the Milton Keynes squad's court, with Max Verstappen just one championship away from matching the achievement of his former Benetton team-mate.
The 52-year-old is not sure that the reigning constructors' champions will be able to provide the foundation for his son to take the crown in 2025.
When asked by Viaplay whether Max extending his run was possible, Jos replied: "Nobody can answer that, of course. We all hope so."
The Ex-F1 driver turned his attention to the issues Red Bull has endured this season with the RB20, whilst highlighting that the team has now established where it went wrong with the current car.
However, he was nevertheless quick to put the onus on Red Bull to remedy those known issues.
"At least they know where the problems are and what needs to be changed," he explained. "Now it's up to them to show how well they understand and what they are creating."
Verstappen Sr. refused to offer his level of confidence in the six-time constructors' champions to deliver.
"I want to see it first next year, he said when asked. "We started this year very well and then only slipped. It's up to the team to show how they are going to be next year."
Viewed by others:
'Things have to happen...'
To Verstappen, his son's being able to clinch the title despite Red Bull not having the quickest package underpins his ability.
Aside from his superb victory in Sao Paulo, which was an outlier in wet conditions, the 27-year-old has not won a grand prix since June, when he triumphed in Spain.
With team-mate Sergio Perez struggling, the Milton Keynes outfit has slumped to third in the constructors' stands.
The gap to leaders McLaren is now 53 points, with Ferrari in between, meaning it is highly unlikely Red Bull will be able to secure a third title in succession. Even if Perez was performing, it would still be an uphill battle.
"They [Red Bull] are not running the fastest car at the moment, otherwise he [Max Verstappen] would be winning races," Verstappen Sr. stated to make it point.
"For next year some things have to happen for them to be competitive again. It also shows again how Max handles it and how strong he is."
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!