Jos Verstappen’s private Zandvoort prediction shows how far he thinks Red Bull have fallen this season

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Jos Verstappen has never been afraid to be vocal about Red Bull’s state of affairs throughout Max Verstappen’s time with the team.

This season has been the toughest test for their relationship yet, as they have slid down the pecking order, leaving the reigning champion third in the drivers’ championship.

Attention has already turned to the 2026 F1 regulations, and pressure is mounting on Red Bull already to design a good car.

Otherwise, there’s a chance that Verstappen could be tempted by offers to race elsewhere. He doesn’t compete to be in the midfield.

Jos wasn’t happy with what he saw from Max earlier in the campaign and went as far as challenging his moves.

However, on a positive note, F1 fans are no longer booing Verstappen, even if it’s down to his inferior machine. He’s still always a threat for victory.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen would find it ‘very difficult to accept’ not working with one key Red Bull figure

Jos Verstappen’s private fifth-place Zandvoort prediction shows how far he thinks Red Bull have fallen

Verstappen faces a Helmut Marko ‘burden’ after engaging in Mercedes talks a few months ago. His loyal nature makes it hard for him not to be able to confide in his closest people.

Fortunately, Red Bull know the ‘best option’ for 2026 in their second seat, which is set to hand the Dutchman a new teammate.

For a few years, he hasn’t had a rear-gunner, but with the new regulations for next year, the cars should effectively undergo a reset. It could cure all their issues.

According to Matt Majendie, he spoke to Verstappen’s father in Zandvoort, and he made a bleak prediction for qualifying. It shows exactly how far he thinks Red Bull have fallen in 2025.

“I chatted to Jos at that point, and he was saying, guessing P5 in qualifying, but obviously that didn’t happen,” he said.

“Max did a good lap and was the best of the rest compared to McLaren. But, to come away with second place, I know, fortuitous with what happened to Lando, is a great achievement.”

READ MORE: Laurent Mekies explains how Max Verstappen has ‘surprised’ him since joining Red Bull

What are Max Verstappen’s aims for the rest of the 2025 Formula 1 season?

Even though Mercedes’ rivals will ‘definitely’ be interested in Verstappen next year, there’s a lot more fun to be had before the end of the current campaign.

With little to play for, Verstappen can experiment, have some fun, and try his best to remain in the top three of the drivers’ standings.

If he falls short of that landmark, it’ll be for the first time since 2018, serving as a real wake-up call to his team.

Losing legendary designer Adrian Newey won’t have done them too many favours either, but there should be plenty of talent left within their ranks to build a good car with.

Technical Director Pierre Wache may be on thin ice, but he has the perfect opportunity to remind everyone of just how special he can be with next year’s car.