SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JUNE 28: Red Bull Racing Team Consultant, Dr. Helmut Marko, walks in the Paddock with Jos Verstappen and Raymond Vermeulen, Manager of Max Verstappen, before the training before the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2024, in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
The former Formula 1 driver informed the Dutch media that he had withdrawn from participating in a ‘Legends Parade’ at the Red Bull Ring. This decision came after objections from Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. The father of the current three-time world champion expressed his frustration, stating, “I am completely tired of Horner. It feels like I’m in a kindergarten here.” The comments were reported by the website www.formu1e1.nl.
Previously, Horner and Verstappen had a disagreement due to misconduct allegations made against the team principal by an employee. Horner denied these allegations and was subsequently cleared after an investigation. In March, Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, warned that the team would face turbulence unless Horner left.
During a press conference for the Austrian Grand Prix, Horner addressed the situation, clarifying that the parade was organized by the circuit and there was no veto from his side. He emphasized that his relationship with Max Verstappen remained strong and that the 26-year-old Dutch driver was an integral part of the team. Horner also stated that he had never had issues with the parents of drivers in the past and did not comment on Jos’s concerns.
Max Verstappen confirmed his commitment to Red Bull for the next year, ending speculations about a possible move to Mercedes. Toto Wolff, head of the Mercedes team, had expressed his admiration for Verstappen. Horner dismissed Wolff’s approach as a distraction tactic and jokingly suggested that if Wolff really wanted a Verstappen for the next year, Jos could be available.
Red Bull currently has a comfortable advantage in the championship, with Verstappen leading by 69 points after 10 out of 24 races. Mercedes, once dominant, is currently in fourth place overall.
Horner expressed his desire to shift the focus from Jos Verstappen and concentrate it on Max. He emphasized that Max is their contracted driver and their main priority in the pursuit of victory in the Grand Prix.
