Jos Verstappen, former Formula 1 driver and father of Max, has accepted a role within Red Bull's young driver program, the team has confirmed.

Verstappen is a notable figure within the Red Bull garage, responsible for the rise and still very supportive of his 19-year-old son. Now, however, that support is to increase on a wider scale as the Dutchman works alongside motorsport advisor and head of the academy, Helmut Marko.

“This is a good cooperation and expansion of the Red Bull junior team,” the Austrian commented.

Explaining why he felt the need to hire Jos, he added: "It is a question of time, as there are clashes with junior races so that I cannot see them.

"So we asked if he has the time and the inclination to visit certain races for us."

Obviously, the answer to that question was yes as Verstappen Sr. has his first assignment as the Red Bull representative this weekend at the European F3 Pau Grand Prix.

His position will predominantly involve the scouting of potential drivers for the Red Bull academy as well as tracking the progress of those already involved, something Marko believes Verstappen Sr. has a very good eye for.

"Jos was always closely involved in karting," he said. "He can not only coach the drivers with his experience but also look at the teams.

"The success in the development phase that he managed with Max is also obvious," he added.