Vermeulen says Max Verstappen is still the sweet, little guy

Max Verstappen’s fourth straight drivers’ championship in 2024 reflects not only his on‑track talent but also a steady off‑track partnership. Long‑time manager Raymond Vermeulen, who first guided Jos Verstappen before taking the reins for his son, says the 28‑year‑old is still the “sweet little guy” who signed his first F1 contract in Düsseldorf in 2014. The duo’s collaboration culminated in Verstappen’s fourth straight drivers’ title in 2024.

Why it matters:

• Trust and stability are rare in F1; a manager who knows a driver personally can shield him from distractions.
• The family‑like bond helps keep Max focused, a factor behind his four‑year title streak and a model other teams may emulate.

The details:

• Vermeulen built the partnership on friendship; decisions are always filtered through that lens.
• Max now leads commercial decisions, feeding ideas, while Vermeulen still structures deals and handles private matters.
• Red Bull’s primary contract is the anchor; all other agreements are arranged around it.

What's next:

Looking ahead, Vermeulen expects Max to take an even bigger hand in shaping his brand and commercial footprint, while the core of their trust remains unchanged. As Verstappen continues to chase more titles, the quiet stability of his management team will likely stay a key factor in his sustained success.