Jos Verstappen: "He is playing the victim"
Last week, I reported Christian Horner would remain at Red Bull Racing as Team Principal. However, following the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, there have been rumours of the star driver leaving the championship winning team.
During the winter break, it was reported that Red Bull were launching an investigation after allegations were thrown out over inappropriate behaviour conducted by Christian Horner. Horner was later cleared of any misconduct, and it was announced he would stay at the Milton Keynes based team.
But that doesn’t seem to be the end of this unravelling story. What is happening? Why was Jos Verstappen spotted with Toto Wolff? Why would it be a ‘disaster’ if Horner stays?
Jos Verstappen (Max Verstappen’s father and former F1 driver) has slammed claims that he is behind a campaign hoping to force Horner out of the Red Bull Racing team. Having said that, the senior Verstappen warned the team that they risk being “torn apart” if Horner remained in his Team Principal position.
Despite these comments, Verstappen has denied any claims that he is behind a campaign to remove Horner. When asked, he told Mail Online: “That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”
Jos Verstappen also stated: "There is tension here while he remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can't go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems."
A Red Bull Racing spokesperson has said: “There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing.”
It is also understood by many individuals that Jos Verstappen had told friends his son will move from Red Bull if Christian Horner stays. This also comes as Verstappen Snr was seen speaking with Mercedes F1 Team Principal, Toto Wolff
Max Verstappen’s Red Bull contract doesn’t expire until the end of 2028. It is reported that a there is an exit clause in Verstappen’s long term contract which allows him to leave the team effective immediately. According to this clause, he is free to leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko leaves Red Bull.
Helmut Marko has responded stating: “As far as I’m concerned, I won’t stand in Max’s way.”
Could we see a shock move where Verstappen goes to Mercedes? It’s probably unlikely. But with silly season approaching, let’s not count anything out!