Max Verstappen, the race winner, celebrated in the parc fermé alongside Raymond Vermeulen, the Drivers Manager, and his father Jos Verstappen. This took place during the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was the first round of the Formula 1 World Championship on March 2, 2024.
Lewis Hamilton argues that drivers like Max Verstappen in Formula 1 should be cautious when it comes to involving a parental figure in their management team. According to Hamilton, there is a delicate balance that must be maintained.
Tension within the Red Bull team escalated after the Bahrain Grand Prix, when Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, suggested that Christian Horner’s position as Team Principal was untenable. However, after an investigation, Horner was cleared of any allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a female colleague.
Despite Horner’s assurance that he has no doubts about continuing in his role, Jos Verstappen warned that the presence of the British Team Principal could potentially divide the Red Bull team.
Hamilton admitted that he was not aware of the comments made by Jos Verstappen before being informed about them. However, upon hearing the content of the comments, the Mercedes driver considered them inappropriate.
“I don’t have all the details, so I can’t fully understand the basis of his opinion,” Hamilton stated. “But ultimately, he is not a team member; he is a father. So, his opinion, while valid, is not particularly helpful.”
Hamilton debuted in Formula 1 in 2007 under the guidance of his father Anthony and quickly rose to prominence, winning the championship in his second season with McLaren. However, their professional relationship became tense, leading them to part ways in 2010. Hamilton spoke from personal experience about the challenges of balancing a father’s influence in a career while maintaining a strong connection. He emphasized the importance of individual relationships with parents, noting that some people have positive experiences with supportive parents, while others have difficult relationships. Hamilton acknowledged that he is not familiar with Max Verstappen’s relationship with his own father, but believes that, as a mature and successful champion, Verstappen is capable of making his own decisions. Hamilton also warned about the potential obstacles of being influenced by external influences in the world of professional racing, drawing on his experiences in other sports like tennis. He emphasized the need for proper guidance to make the right decisions and excel in his chosen field. Despite the challenges, Hamilton acknowledged that Verstappen is doing well, indicating that he has the necessary support and guidance. However, he highlighted the inherent difficulties that arise when business intertwines with family relationships.
