In a shocking turn of events, the Formula 1 world has been rocked by the revelation that Jos Verstappen, father of superstar driver Max Verstappen, was allegedly considered to take over as Red Bull’s team principal following a very public clash with Christian Horner.
The drama unfolded last year when Jos Verstappen publicly criticized Horner, insinuating that a change in leadership was necessary for the team to thrive. Former F1 driver Martin Brundle even hinted that Jos Verstappen was a contender for the top role at Red Bull, a claim that has sent shockwaves through the racing community.
The tension between Verstappen and Horner reached its peak in Bahrain, with Verstappen warning that the team would “explode” if a new team boss was not appointed. Fast forward to the Hungarian Grand Prix, and Laurent Mekies has stepped in as the new Red Bull boss, replacing the ousted Horner.
Speculation is rife that Max Verstappen’s future with the team may have influenced the decision to remove Horner, especially with rumors linking the Dutch driver to Mercedes. However, Brundle believes that with Horner out of the picture, Red Bull has secured Max Verstappen’s commitment until 2026.
Brundle insinuated that the Verstappen camp was likely aware of the decision to remove Horner, and that Max Verstappen had reaffirmed his loyalty to the team before the official announcement was made. The public criticism by Jos Verstappen towards Horner may have also played a role in the shake-up at Red Bull after more than two decades of Horner’s leadership.
Speaking on the matter, Brundle stated, “Since Bahrain last year, I’ve almost considered Jos as the team principal of Red Bull. It’s become a one-driver team and I think that’s something they’ve got to fix as well.”
The implications of this leadership change are significant for the future of Red Bull Racing and the dynamics within the team. The Verstappen-Horner saga has captivated fans and experts alike, raising questions about the true power players in the world of Formula 1.
As the dust settles from this tumultuous period, all eyes will be on Red Bull and Max Verstappen as they navigate this new chapter in their racing journey.
