Despite these tensions, a Red Bull spokesperson assured that the team remains united, with a primary focus on the racing aspect.
During the Bahrain Grand Prix, amidst increased scrutiny, Jos Verstappen, father of Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, denied allegations that he leaked confidential text messages involving Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Jos, a 51-year-old former F1 driver, emphasized that the controversy was causing divisions within the team. This came after an anonymous email about Horner was leaked, to which Red Bull promptly responded and dismissed as a misconduct complaint against him.
Jos Verstappen vehemently denied being the source of the leak, pointing out that his son Max has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 and is in a successful and comfortable position within the team.
He questioned: “But why would I do that? Max has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, is performing exceptionally well, and feels at home here. I have no interest in that.”
Despite his denial, he expressed concerns about the team’s unity, stating that the situation is damaging and causing divisions among the members.
His concerns also extend to Horner’s leadership, predicting that Red Bull will face turbulence if Horner remains in his position.
He accused Horner of worsening the situation by adopting a victim mentality.
This criticism follows reports of a heated confrontation between Jos Verstappen and Horner after a qualifying race, further highlighting internal tensions within the team.
However, a Red Bull spokesperson assured that the team remains united, with a primary focus on the racing aspect.
Max Verstappen, a crucial figure at Red Bull due to his impressive performances on track, has reportedly chosen to remain silent regarding his father’s statements.
Even when asked about his confidence in Horner as team principal, Max chose to emphasize his own performance rather than delve into team politics.
The Verstappens have previously expressed support for Red Bull’s motor sports consultant, Helmut Marko, during his disagreements with Horner. However, Horner has downplayed these disputes as minor differences that have been blown out of proportion by their rivals.
Amidst the ongoing controversies, Horner, alongside his wife, former Spice Girls member Geri Horner, presented a united front.
Their public displays of affection come amidst intense media scrutiny over alleged messages from Horner and accusations of misconduct, highlighting the personal and professional challenges faced by Red Bull’s leadership.
