Drama Unleashed: Jos Verstappen's Explosive Claims Against Horner Shake Red Bull
Formula 1 weekends are rarely dull, but the Austrian Grand Prix this year was enveloped in a storm of controversy, primarily centered around Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen. Jos, father of current Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, has thrown some serious shade at Horner, accusing him of actions that have led to a growing rift between the two influential figures in motorsport.
Originally scheduled to drive in the Austrian GP Legends parade behind the wheel of the 2012 Red Bull RB8, Jos Verstappen abruptly withdrew from the event. The reason? A purported covert operation by Horner to keep him off the track, according to Jos. Speaking to the Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Jos claimed, “In recent days, I have heard from several sides that Christian Horner has done everything to not let me drive, and otherwise to make sure nothing would be filmed. Then I think, ‘Say it in my face’. This way, it doesn’t have to be for me, I find it very disappointing.”
Jos Speaks Out
Not one to mince words, Jos doubled down on his accusations in an interview with Formule1.nl. “How childish can you be? There was going to be filming, also with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed. I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a playground here,” he said. Jos also expressed his disgust at what he termed as Horner's 'childish' behavior, adding that though he was eventually allowed to drive, he opted out because of the ongoing issues.
This isn't the first time Jos Verstappen has sparred with Horner in 2024. Earlier in the season, Jos claimed that keeping Horner as Team Principal could “tear apart” the team amid allegations of misconduct, which a King’s Counsel dismissed. Despite the back-and-forth, Horner categorically denies these claims, maintaining that he had no part in preventing Jos from participating in the legends parade.
Horner's Rebuttal
Christian Horner responded to the accusations during the Friday press conference at the Austrian GP. “Look, I’ve been made aware,” Horner stated. “The Legends Parade is something that is organized by the circuit. There was no veto from my side or anything like that. And I’m sure the Legends will be in action later.” Horner insists that the relationship between Red Bull and Max remains strong, despite the tension with Jos. “The relationship with Max has always been very good, very strong,” Horner emphasized.
He further elucidated his point by stating that Max is a critical part of the team. “He’s our driver; he’s the one that is important obviously to have a strong relationship with. I’ve never had an issue with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past. Whatever Jos’s issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on. My interest is in the performance of the team. We have a wonderful team...
“We’ve got great drivers, in Max, we’ve got the best driver in the world. He came to our team as a young man, and he’s grown and grown in stature. He’s grown as a driver and as a human being. And I think the way he conducts himself, the way he works with the team is outstanding. That is my key interest,” Horner continued.
Tensions Rising
Amid rising tensions, Horner remains focused on the performance and success of his team. “Despite the distractions of this year, we’ve still won 70% of the races, including two sprint races and seven poles. We lead both world championships,” he pointed out. Horner emphasized that while he cannot control everything, including relationships with his drivers' fathers, his focus will remain on the performance of the team and the drivers.
Jos seems intent on sowing discord within the Red Bull setup, especially in the relationship between his son and Horner. However, Horner isn’t about to let internal squabbles distract him from the primary objective: winning. He noted, “I don’t think it’s really helpful to continue talking on the topic of Jos. I think our focus is very much on Max. He’s our driver, he’s who we have a contract with, and he’s who we’re focused on trying to win this grand prix with.”
As the drama unfolds, only time will tell how these tensions will impact Red Bull Racing and its star driver, Max Verstappen. With the eyes of the motorsport world fixed on them, the stakes have never been higher.