Max Verstappen’s Father Warns of Potential Red Bull Disruption with Horner’s Continuation
Red Bull Racing is facing internal divisions and potential disruption as Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, warns that the team is at risk of being torn apart if Christian Horner remains in charge. The ongoing controversy surrounding the team principal has put Red Bull Racing in the spotlight during the start of the new Formula One season.
Fractures within the team became public in early February when Red Bull GmbH announced an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior against Horner. The parent company took these allegations seriously and conducted the investigation with an outside party. However, the investigation was dismissed, and the complainant was given the right to appeal. Soon after, a cache of messages allegedly between Horner and the female complainant was anonymously leaked to F1 officials and the media.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Jos Verstappen expressed his concerns about the situation, stating that there is tension within the team while Horner remains in his position. He believes that the team is in danger of being torn apart and that it cannot continue the way it is. Jos Verstappen has been actively involved in his son’s racing career and has a close relationship with him, which gives him a certain degree of influence within the team.
Horner has not publicly commented on the leaked messages, and Red Bull Racing spokesperson dismissed any issues within the team, stating that they are united and focused on racing. However, tensions between Jos Verstappen and Horner have escalated, putting the father of the star driver in opposition to the team principal.
The tensions within Red Bull Racing have been growing since the death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in October 2022. Mateschitz was the leader of the company’s F1 efforts, and his absence has led to increased friction between senior figures within the company.
Despite the controversy, Max Verstappen has maintained his focus on the track and his preparations for the new season. He has expressed full faith in Horner’s leadership and praised him as an incredible team boss. Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but his father’s comments raise questions about the dynamic between Verstappen and Horner moving forward.
The nature of the tension at Red Bull has also sparked speculation about Verstappen potentially driving for Mercedes in the future. However, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff believes that a driver will always choose the quickest car, and currently, Red Bull is the fastest team in Formula One.
As Red Bull Racing heads into the second round of the season in Saudi Arabia, the team will have to address the internal divisions and ensure that they do not disrupt their performance on the track. The ongoing controversy surrounding Christian Horner remains a significant story in the world of Formula One, and its resolution will be closely watched by fans and experts alike.