Formula 1 has always been full of clever maneuvers, but in the past, most of them remained hidden beneath the surface. “Issues” were resolved in the presence of Bernie Ecclestone – usually in his mobile home parked in the paddock during a Grand Prix weekend. Similar to a F1 council, problems were addressed, complaints discussed, and judgments quickly delivered, all behind closed doors.
No one publicly spoke about what was agreed upon outside the F1 community, and if any information leaked, only Bernie and the parties involved would comment on the matter. The narrative was tightly controlled. None of this would be acceptable during Bernie’s era, the source would have been silenced… metaphorically speaking, of course.
Fast forward to the present day, where it seems that everything that happens behind the pit box door can and will be revealed to the press. Unlike on the track, where a driver can confront their competitor face to face, other prominent figures are constantly vulnerable to secret attackers. The chosen weapon is media defamation.
For example, if I had a group of twenty thousand F1 enthusiasts on X and tweeted: “XXX may own a collection of racially offensive dolls, I’m not stating this as a fact, but haven’t they denied it?!” Christian Horner remains silent, likely due to a confidentiality agreement with Red Bull. Meanwhile, Jos Verstappen persists in his campaign to undermine Horner without providing specific details. According to the “karting father,” Horner is allegedly dismantling the team.
However, the events of last weekend suggest otherwise. Meanwhile, both Horner and innocents like his wife continue to be publicly attacked, unable to defend themselves. If you want to find out who seems to be causing turbulence within Red Bull, look in the opposite direction, not too far away, just within the confines of the Red Bull box.
If I were Max Verstappen, I would take inspiration from Lewis Hamilton’s approach. I would relegate my father to the grandstands and occasionally bring him to the paddock. Max’s own posture is completely professional. This became evident when he was interviewed over the weekend about Horner. He showed disinterest in scandalous speculations, focusing only on the team and his performance. Then he secured pole position, set the fastest lap, and won the race.
Jos needs to remember his place and stay quiet in the shadow of his son. Especially because his behavior may be closing more doors for Max than opening. If Max were to race for another team, like Mercedes, for example, there would certainly be a clause prohibiting Jos’s participation. Perhaps a more captivating race this weekend will make all this nonsense stay in the past, where it belongs?
© 2024
