Max Verstappen Takes Greater Control of Business Affairs as Father Jos Steps Back

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is gradually assuming full control over his business and professional activities, according to recent statements from his longtime manager Raymond Vermeulen. The shift marks a significant transition in the Verstappen family dynamic, as Max, now 26, moves toward greater independence both on and off the track.

Vermeulen, who has managed Verstappen’s career since his early karting days, confirmed the change in an interview with F1online.sk, stating that Max is “gradually taking over control of his activities.” Even as the specifics of the transition remain private, the move aligns with Verstappen’s growing stature in the sport and his desire to shape his own legacy beyond the shadow of his father, Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver himself.

Vermeulen’s Role and the Verstappen Family Legacy

Raymond Vermeulen has been a central figure in Max Verstappen’s career since the Dutch driver’s karting days. As his manager, Vermeulen has overseen contract negotiations, sponsorship deals, and media relations, playing a key role in Max’s rise to becoming one of the most dominant drivers in F1 history. His relationship with the Verstappen family extends back nearly two decades, making his recent comments about Max’s increasing autonomy all the more notable.

Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, has been a constant presence in his son’s career, often serving as a mentor and advisor. Yet, Jos has recently expressed frustration with the direction of Formula 1, particularly the 2026 rule changes that introduce recent engine and chassis regulations. In an interview with Racexpress, Jos stated that he now “switches off the TV” when watching F1, criticizing the new regulations for reducing the driver’s ability to make a difference on track. He described the new cars as “anti-racing” and suggested that GT3 racing—where Max has been competing in recent months—offers a more engaging experience.

Jos’s comments reflect a broader tension within the Verstappen family regarding Max’s future in F1. While Max has not publicly committed to racing beyond 2026, his father’s criticism of the sport’s direction has fueled speculation about his long-term plans. However, Jos has also expressed confidence that Max will continue in F1, despite the departure of his longtime race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who is set to join McLaren in 2028.

Max Verstappen’s Growing Independence

The transition of control from Vermeulen to Max Verstappen is not entirely surprising. At 26, Verstappen is at the peak of his career, with four world championships (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024) and a record 54 Grand Prix victories to his name. His dominance on the track has been matched by his growing influence off it, including his involvement in esports, merchandise, and philanthropic initiatives through the Max Verstappen Foundation.

Vermeulen’s comments suggest that Max is now taking a more hands-on approach to managing his career, including decisions about sponsorships, media appearances, and even his racing schedule. This shift is consistent with the trajectory of other elite athletes who, as they mature, seek greater autonomy over their professional lives. For Verstappen, this likely means a more direct role in shaping his public image, commercial partnerships, and even his racing commitments outside of F1, such as his recent participation in GT3 events at the Nürburgring.

One area where Max’s influence is already evident is in his relationship with Red Bull Racing. While he has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the 2026 rule changes, he remains under contract with the team until at least 2028. His ability to navigate these challenges—both within the sport and in his personal business dealings—will be a key factor in determining his long-term future in F1.

What This Means for Verstappen’s Future in F1

The question of Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 has been a topic of intense speculation, particularly in light of his father’s criticism of the sport’s direction. Jos Verstappen’s comments about the 2026 regulations—calling them “less enjoyable” and “not the Formula 1 that Formula 1 stands for”—have added fuel to the debate. However, Max himself has not indicated any immediate plans to retire, despite his frustrations with the new rules.

Vermeulen’s confirmation that Max is taking greater control of his activities suggests that the young driver is preparing for a future where he is the primary decision-maker in his career. This could include everything from negotiating his next contract with Red Bull to exploring opportunities outside of F1, such as his growing interest in GT3 racing. Verstappen has already demonstrated his versatility as a driver, competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and other endurance events, which may offer an alternative path if he decides to step away from F1 in the coming years.

For now, Verstappen remains committed to Red Bull and the 2026 season, but the dynamics within his team are evolving. The departure of Gianpiero Lambiase, his race engineer since 2018, is a significant change, and Verstappen will need to adapt to a new working relationship with his team. How he navigates these challenges—both on and off the track—will shape the next chapter of his career.

The Broader Implications for Formula 1

Max Verstappen’s growing independence is not just a personal milestone; it also reflects broader trends in Formula 1. As the sport continues to evolve under new regulations, drivers are increasingly becoming brands in their own right, with greater control over their commercial and professional destinies. Verstappen’s ability to leverage his success on the track into off-track opportunities—such as his esports team, Team Verstappen, and his foundation—sets a precedent for other drivers to follow.

The 2026 rule changes, which introduce a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, have been divisive among drivers and fans. While some see the changes as a necessary step toward sustainability, others, like Jos Verstappen, argue that they detract from the sport’s core appeal. Max’s response to these changes will be closely watched, as his influence within the sport is second only to his on-track success.

For Formula 1, Verstappen’s growing autonomy could also signal a shift in how drivers engage with the sport. As the most marketable driver on the grid, Verstappen’s decisions—whether to stay in F1, explore other racing series, or even retire—will have ripple effects across the sport. His ability to balance his racing commitments with his business interests will be a key factor in determining his legacy, both as a driver and as a global sports icon.

Key Takeaways

• Max Verstappen is gradually taking over control of his business and professional activities, according to his longtime manager Raymond Vermeulen.
• Vermeulen has managed Verstappen’s career since his karting days, but Max is now assuming a more direct role in decisions about sponsorships, media, and racing commitments.
• Jos Verstappen has criticized the 2026 F1 rule changes, calling them “anti-racing” and suggesting that GT3 racing offers a more engaging experience.
• Max remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but his long-term future in F1 is a topic of speculation, particularly given his growing interest in GT3 racing.
• Verstappen’s growing independence reflects broader trends in F1, where drivers are increasingly becoming brands in their own right with greater control over their careers.
• The departure of race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase adds another layer of complexity to Verstappen’s future with Red Bull.

What’s Next for Max Verstappen?

Max Verstappen’s immediate focus remains on the 2026 Formula 1 season, where he will aim to secure his fifth world championship with Red Bull. The team’s performance under the new regulations will be a critical factor in his decision-making, as will his ability to adapt to working with a new race engineer following Lambiase’s departure.

Off the track, Verstappen is expected to continue expanding his business interests, including his esports team and philanthropic initiatives. His participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and other GT3 events suggests that he is keeping his options open for the future, whether within F1 or beyond.

For fans and analysts alike, the next few months will be crucial in determining Verstappen’s long-term plans. Will he continue to dominate F1, or will he explore new challenges in endurance racing or other series? One thing is certain: as Max Verstappen takes greater control of his career, the decisions he makes will shape the future of motorsport for years to come.

What do you think about Max Verstappen’s growing independence? Will he stay in F1 beyond 2026, or is he eyeing new challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below.