BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 21: Max Verstappen, from the Netherlands, and Oracle Red Bull Racing chat with his father, Jos Verstappen, in the garage during practice ahead of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 21, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Saturday’s opening race at the Sakhir circuit in the Gulf kingdom was relatively calm compared to the ongoing power struggle within the dominant team. Team owner, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, publicly supported Horner amid allegations of misconduct, but there are reports of divisions within the company. Statements from Verstappen’s father to the Daily Mail, suggesting that Red Bull would face turbulence if Horner remained, raised questions as the circus heads to Jeddah for the next race. Despite Horner’s claims of unity, tensions continue to rise, with Verstappen’s father warning of the possibility of destruction within the team.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Verstappen’s father confided in friends that his son may leave Red Bull if necessary. Although Horner insists that the team is more united than ever, Verstappen’s father’s opinions carry weight, despite his unofficial status within the team. The disagreement between Jos and Horner after Friday’s qualifying session, which resulted in an alleged altercation, drew international attention. Verstappen’s father accuses Horner of playing the victim while causing problems that could ultimately destroy the team.
The BBC reports that Jos Verstappen confirmed he had spoken out against Horner after the dispute. Max Verstappen, aware of his father’s comments, chose not to publicly address the situation. The confrontation occurred shortly after an anonymous email, claiming to contain evidence related to the misconduct investigation against Horner, was sent to journalists and influential figures in the sport. Verstappen senior, one of the recipients, denies any involvement in the email.
After the race, Horner refused to comment on the motivation behind the email when questioned by reporters. The concern now is whether the long-standing tensions within the team have reached a breaking point and how 26-year-old Max Verstappen will respond. Horner, who has been the team principal since Red Bull entered Formula 1 in 2005, enjoys a high-profile lifestyle and is a prominent figure in the Netflix documentary series “Drive to Survive.”
He is married to Geri Halliwell, a member of the Spice Girls, and under his leadership, the Milton Keynes-based team clinched their sixth Formula 1 constructors’ title last year by winning 21 out of 22 races. Both were present at the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, which seemed to be a show of solidarity.
Max achieved a remarkable feat by winning 19 races last year, and his victory on Saturday, which included securing pole position, the fastest lap, and leading every lap, was considered a “grand slam.”
His exceptional talent is evident by the fact that he scored more points alone in the previous season than Mercedes, the second-placed team, managed with their two drivers, including seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Throughout his successful career, he has been associated with Red Bull and has a contract with them until 2028. However, if Verstappen decides to leave, he will have several options, as Mercedes, which was once dominant, will need a replacement for Hamilton, who will join Ferrari in 2025, in anticipation of a major rule change in 2026.
During the Bahrain Grand Prix, Toto Wolff, the head of the Mercedes team, was frequently seen with Jos Verstappen. Although this would not normally attract attention, as they are old friends, this time it received significant media coverage.
Wolff praised Verstappen’s exceptional performance on Saturday, describing it as being on a completely different level. However, he refused to comment on whether Verstappen could be a potential candidate for the 2025 season, stating that a driver will always choose the fastest car, as that is what really matters. (Reporting by Abhishek Takle; Additional reporting and writing by Alan Baldwin)
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was caught at a luxurious party in Ibiza. Photos of the player enjoying the night alongside beautiful women are causing controversy on social media. Ronaldo, who recently transferred to Manchester United, seems to be enjoying his free time before the start of the season.
In the images, the player is seen dancing and having fun with friends in a mansion. He was surrounded by attractive women, which sparked speculation about his relationship with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez. Some fans questioned if the couple is still together, as Georgina was not present at the party.
Furthermore, Ronaldo was caught smoking a cigar, which generated criticism from some internet users. The player is known for his dedication to training and healthy eating, and the habit of smoking does not align with his lifestyle. However, other fans defended the player, stating that he has the right to enjoy his vacation however he wants.
This is not the first time Ronaldo has been the target of controversies. The player has been caught at parties and extravagant events, which sparks constant debates about his conduct off the field. Despite this, his talent and success in football continue to impress everyone.
With the season about to begin, Manchester United fans hope that Ronaldo is focused and ready to help the team win titles. It remains to be seen if the recent parties and controversies will have any impact on his performance on the field. We will closely follow the next steps of the football star.
