At the Monaco Grand Prix, Max Verstappen takes on the media during the Thursday press conference.
Max Verstappen has insisted his father Jos Verstappen is “not in conflict” with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Three-time World Champion Verstappen has made a fine start to his latest title defence, winning five of the first seven races of the F1 2024 season to establish a 48-point lead at the top of the Drivers’ standings.
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Despite the off-track saga surrounding the team in the early months of this campaign, Red Bull’s performance on track has remained formidable.
On the eve of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, an investigation into the conduct of Horner, who holds the record for being the longest-serving team principal in F1, was dismissed. Verstappen, starting from pole position, kick-started F1 2024 with an impressive victory, showcasing his dominance.
Following the race, Verstappen Sr. demanded Horner’s resignation, asserting that the 50-year-old was responsible for the issues and falsely portraying himself as the victim.
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If Horner continues in his position, Mr. Verstappen cautioned that Red Bull would face a potential explosion, putting the reigning Constructors’ Champions at risk of being severely divided.
After design guru Adrian Newey announced his departure from Red Bull in early F1 2025, claiming that it is crucial for internal harmony to retain key personnel, he reiterated his concerns about Red Bull being at risk of disintegration.
There have been reports of tensions within the team, which have sparked speculation that Verstappen might join Mercedes in the upcoming season. This is despite the fact that Verstappen is currently under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 F1 season.
Despite the ongoing situation, the 26-year-old has consistently chosen to remain silent. However, he did come to his father’s defense a few days after Verstappen Sr.’s outburst following the Bahrain incident. He mentioned, “My father has always been known for being very outspoken. One thing I can say for certain is that he is not a liar.”
Speaking to British newspaper the Guardian, Verstappen has insisted that his father is not in conflict with Horner, hinting they merely have a difference of opinion.
He assured, “Without a doubt, my dad will always be by my side.”
“There is no conflict between them. It is possible for people to hold differing opinions, but that is a separate matter altogether.”
Verstappen restated his wish for Red Bull to prioritize performance, stating: “There are various significant aspects involved. When I made the move to Red Bull Racing back in 2016, Christian played a pivotal role in that entire narrative.”
However, the main focus is always on getting everyone back on track and centered on improving performance.
We have repeatedly emphasized our strong emphasis on performance currently, and we aspire to maintain this momentum.
Verstappen’s comments come after PlanetF1.com reported earlier this week that negotiations between outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz and Mercedes have stalled as the team opt to keep tabs on Verstappen’s situation at Red Bull.
Mercedes is reportedly willing to take their time and make a decision on their F1 2025 driver lineup towards the end of the ongoing season. This comes after Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, chose to sign a multi-year contract with Ferrari.
Since his debut in F1 in 2021, Verstappen has emerged as the unrivaled powerhouse of the sport, securing victory in 49 out of the last 73 races in the current era.
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