News Summary
- Max Verstappen explained Jos’s emotional reaction to his victory at Sepang.
- The Dutchman said his father remains closely involved, even without attending every race.
- The result delivered the first Grand Prix victory for Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
Max Verstappen explained that Jos’s emotional reaction to his Sepang victory reflected the difficulties they had experienced throughout the season, as well as the significance of Red Bull winning with its own power unit for the first time.
Jos was present in Malaysia as his son ended his wait for a first victory of 2026. The result also marked a breakthrough for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, turning a challenging opening season into a winning campaign.
Speaking during the post-race press conference, Verstappen connected his father’s response to their shared commitment and the years they have spent pursuing success in Formula 1.
“We’re all very much invested in it,” Verstappen said.
Jos remains involved behind the scenes
Although Jos no longer attends every Grand Prix, Verstappen explained that his father remains informed about what is happening. When they are together at a race, they discuss the car, the team and the challenges facing them.
“He’s not coming to every race, but when he is there, we talk a lot about everything. He knows everything,” Verstappen continued.
The difficult beginning of the season had been frustrating for both of them. Verstappen described a car that was unpleasant to drive, while Jos watched a team struggling to produce the competitiveness his son needed.
The emotion at Sepang came after seeing that situation change. Verstappen credited Red Bull’s continued development work with addressing its problems and producing a package capable of winning.
Red Bull converts progress into a milestone
Verstappen’s victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia followed another strong performance in Azerbaijan. At Sepang, he combined pole position with victory, finishing ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton.
The achievement carried additional importance because Red Bull was competing with a power unit developed through its partnership with Ford. Verstappen had already celebrated the first victory for the engine project immediately after the finish.
“It’s an incredible project with a lot of partners and a lot of people that are dedicated to be where we are now,” he said.
The win required more than outright speed. Verstappen lost positions at the start, recovered against the Mercedes drivers and retained the lead after a late Safety Car erased his advantage.
Verstappen praises the atmosphere inside Red Bull
Alongside the technical progress, Verstappen highlighted the working relationship within Red Bull. He described a team whose members understood one another and were aligned in their efforts to improve.
His explanation placed Jos’s reaction within that wider celebration: the victory rewarded a sustained recovery after months of difficulties, with his father there to witness the result.
Verstappen left Malaysia sixth in the Drivers’ Championship on 188 points, level with Lando Norris. Red Bull now heads directly to Singapore with its first win of the season secured.
Formula 1 returns next weekend, from 9–11 October, for the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action.
F1 today: FAQ
Why did F1 cars lose power before the Bahrain GP in Malaysia?
The FIA identified a combination of low engine speed, low grip, wet-weather energy management settings and Sepang’s sector configuration. It distributed a software update before the race and announced a full review with teams and power unit manufacturers.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the F1 championship in Singapore?
No. Antonelli leads George Russell by 84 points, but even a Singapore Sprint and Grand Prix double would not secure the title. Austin on 25 October is his earliest possible opportunity, depending on his results and those of the remaining contenders.
When is the next F1 race, and is Singapore a Sprint weekend?
The next race is the Singapore Grand Prix on 11 October, with track activity beginning on Friday, 9 October. It is a Sprint weekend: Sprint qualifying takes place on Friday, followed by the Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday.
