ensions have reignited between Jos Verstappen and Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner, following the latter’s praise for simulator driver Sébastien Buemi’s contributions to the RB20’s development amidst the team’s ongoing struggles.
Red Bull’s difficulties this season have led to countless hours spent in the simulator, hoping to translate virtual progress into on-track improvements. Despite limited success in resolving the team’s issues, Horner highlighted Buemi’s relentless work behind the scenes, noting his commitment and joking about the energy drinks fueling his long sessions:
“He was consuming plenty of Red Bulls to keep him going! He played an important part, as did the whole team, working hard with long days and long nights.”
However, Jos Verstappen, father of reigning champion Max Verstappen, took offense to Horner’s comments. Jos, who has had a tense relationship with Horner in the past, responded sharply, criticizing Horner for what he saw as unnecessary remarks, telling him to “cut the stupid crap.”
This latest clash between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner highlights the fractured dynamic between the two, a tension that has lingered for years, particularly following past controversies involving Horner. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko even hinted that Jos Verstappen’s strained relationship with Horner could push Max toward Mercedes in the near future, suggesting Jos may favor Toto Wolff over Horner.
“Jos Verstappen, I think, is a bigger fan of Toto’s than he is of Christian,” Marko commented, alluding to a potential 2026 switch for Max Verstappen to Mercedes, as Red Bull’s struggles continue.
With tensions mounting and no quick fixes in sight, speculation about Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull is likely to grow. Should these internal conflicts persist, a switch to Mercedes might become more than just a rumor.
