In the midst of the Christian Horner controversy that has cast a shadow over Red Bull’s start to the new Formula One season, reigning world champion Max Verstappen has come forward to defend his outspoken father, Jos Verstappen. The elder Verstappen criticized Red Bull’s decision to retain Horner as the team principal, expressing concerns that the team is at risk of being torn apart due to allegations of inappropriate behavior.
Red Bull swiftly responded to Jos Verstappen’s comments, stating in a press release sent to CNN on Monday, “This is untrue. We are united as a team and we are concentrating on racing.” The controversy surrounding Horner escalated when leaked messages, alleging his involvement in inappropriate behavior towards a team member, circulated among the F1 community. However, the authenticity of these messages remains unverified.
Despite the turmoil off the track, Max Verstappen’s performance in the Bahrain Grand Prix over the weekend demonstrated his focus and determination. The Dutch driver secured victory, dispelling any doubts about Red Bull’s dominance or disruptions to their preparations for the season. Verstappen’s success on the track is a testament to his resilience amid the controversy surrounding his team.
Addressing his father’s outspoken nature, Max Verstappen affirmed, “My dad, from how I know him in go-karting, is very outspoken, and he is not a liar, that is for sure.” The close relationship between father and son is evident, with Max revealing that they communicate daily.
As Red Bull prepares for the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the absence of Jos Verstappen at the race due to a prior commitment raises questions about the dynamics within the team. Red Bull has categorically stated, “This is a private matter between Mr. Horner and another, and it would be inappropriate for Red Bull to comment on this.”
In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Jos Verstappen denied being the source behind the leaked messages and questioned the motive behind such allegations. “But why would I do that? Max has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, is performing great, and feels at home here. I have no interest in that at all.”
The apparent tension between Horner and Verstappen’s father, as highlighted by the latter after the Bahrain Grand Prix, adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative. Red Bull’s insistence on focusing solely on racing underscores their commitment to managing internal matters privately.
With Verstappen securing an early-season victory, the spotlight remains on his on-track performance, but the off-track drama raises uncertainties about the team’s stability beyond the current season. As Red Bull faces challenges both on and off the track, the Formula One community awaits developments in this unfolding saga that has the potential to shape the dynamics of the team in the seasons to come.
