Source – Times Now
In their most recent altercation, Jos Verstappen—the father of three-time champion Max—called Red Bull team principal Christian Horner “childish.”
The tension between Red Bull boss Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen has reached new heights, casting a shadow over Max Verstappen’s future with the team. This feud, which has been simmering since the beginning of the season, stems from accusations of alleged inappropriate behavior by Horner towards a female colleague. Although Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing following an internal investigation, the damage to his relationship with Verstappen Sr. appears irreparable.
The latest incident unfolded at the Austrian Grand Prix during the Red Bull Legends Parade, an event showcasing historic cars doing laps around the Red Bull Ring. Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver, was slated to drive the RB8 from 2012—a car that carried Sebastian Vettel to his third consecutive world title. However, according to Verstappen Sr., Horner blocked his participation, leading to a public outburst from the 52-year-old.
“How childish can you be,” Jos Verstappen expressed to Formule1.nl. “There was going to be filming, for example also with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed. I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a kindergarten here. I would have been allowed to ride in the end, but I backed out. I find this so childish of Horner, but I think it says something about him.”
This public spat has intensified speculation about Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull. The Dutch driver, currently a cornerstone of the team, is now being linked with a potential move to Mercedes as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. The ongoing friction between Horner and Jos Verstappen has undoubtedly created an uneasy atmosphere within the Red Bull camp, raising questions about team harmony and Max’s commitment to his current team.
Max Verstappen’s possible move to Mercedes would mark a significant shift in the F1 landscape. With Lewis Hamilton’s contract nearing its end, Mercedes would undoubtedly benefit from securing the talents of the reigning world champion. Such a transfer would not only alter team dynamics but also set the stage for a new era of competition in Formula 1.
The feud’s impact extends beyond the personal grievances between Horner and Jos Verstappen. It threatens to disrupt Red Bull’s focus and performance, especially given Max’s pivotal role in their championship aspirations. The team must navigate these turbulent waters carefully, balancing internal politics with the need to maintain a competitive edge on the track.
In a sport where relationships and teamwork are crucial, the fallout between Horner and Jos Verstappen serves as a stark reminder of the complexities behind the scenes. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see how they manage this internal strife and whether it will influence Max Verstappen’s career trajectory.
For now, the future remains uncertain, and the paddock is abuzz with speculation. Will Red Bull mend the rift, or will Max Verstappen seek greener pastures with a rival team? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the drama at Red Bull is far from over.
