Max Verstappen skillfully handled the flood of questions about his father’s recent comments about Christian Horner after the Bahrain Grand Prix. Jos’s comments about tension within the team and Horner causing problems reignited the controversy. However, Max remained calm during his press interviews, describing the days since the race as “relaxing” and emphasizing that speculation does not affect the team. He even saw it as a sign of focus on work and performance on the track.
Max made it clear that he was focused on the performance side and wanted less discussion about team dynamics off the track. He did not explicitly endorse or denounce his father’s comments, but acknowledged that he was with Jos until the morning of the interview and that they speak regularly. Max emphasized that they are a team, composed of himself, his father, and his manager, Raymond Vermueulen.
When asked about his future with Horner and the team, Max simply stated that they are together at the moment and expressed his desire for a peaceful environment. He confirmed his intention to stay with the team until the end of his contract in 2028, as long as they continue to perform well. He dismissed questions about the possibility of joining Mercedes or concerns about Red Bull’s power unit in 2026, emphasizing the importance of trusting the process.
Regarding the disagreements between Horner and Jos, Max believed they could be resolved through discussion and acknowledged that it is normal to have different opinions within a team. He mentioned a private conversation with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, without providing details, suggesting that some kind of discussion took place.
Max made it clear that Jos is honest and straightforward, and although he did not question him about the comments, he believed that Jos meant what he said. He expressed the importance of focusing on the team’s performance and the great car they have. Max was not shaken by speculations about Jos’s motivations for the comments, stating that only his father knows the truth. He acknowledged that social media is a platform for speculation and made it clear that he is not angry about what his father said.
Overall, Max handled the situation with tact and avoided taking sides or fueling controversy. His support for the status quo was carefully formulated, leaving room for interpretation. He remained relaxed during interviews and did not show hostility towards the questions or his father’s comments. It is evident that Max did not want to be on a different side from his father, but also prioritized focusing on his performance and the team’s success.
