Breaking : Verstappen issues defiant update on Horner Red Bull FEUD…read more
Verstappen issues defiant update on Horner Red Bull FEUD
Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen, has provided an update on his relationship with the team’s Formula 1 principal, Christian Horner, amid reports of tension between the two. Over the years, Jos Verstappen and Horner have had several disagreements and spats, with the former driver often being vocal about his views on how Red Bull is run. However, despite these clashes, Jos now asserts that he has no regrets about how he has handled his disputes with Horner.
Max Verstappen, who secured his fourth Formula 1 World Championship this season with a title-clinching win at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, has faced significant challenges in 2024. Both he and Red Bull have struggled to maintain the dominance they enjoyed in previous seasons. Following his success in Las Vegas, Verstappen went through a challenging period where he failed to claim a victory until his stunning return to form at the Brazilian Grand Prix in November. Before this triumph in Brazil, the Dutchman hadn’t stood on the top step of the podium since his win at the Spanish Grand Prix in June. The performance of Red Bull’s RB20 car has been a particular source of frustration for Verstappen, with the car failing to deliver the consistency and speed seen in previous seasons.
Red Bull’s struggles both on and off the track have fueled speculation about Verstappen’s future with the team. There have been growing rumors that the 27-year-old is considering leaving Red Bull, or possibly stepping away from Formula 1 entirely. Earlier this year, these rumors gained traction when Jos Verstappen openly criticized Christian Horner, even suggesting that he was done dealing with him and accusing Horner of acting “childishly.”
Despite these tensions, Jos has remained steadfast in his defense of his actions and words regarding Horner. In a recent interview with the Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Jos Verstappen provided clarity on where things stand between him and the Red Bull team principal. When asked if he regretted being so critical of Horner in the public eye, the former F1 driver was firm in his response, saying, “No, not at all.”
He elaborated on his perspective, explaining that the actions of the team boss, whether good or bad, have a direct impact on the team and, consequently, on Max’s performance. “What the team boss does or doesn’t do, that does have an influence on everything that is going on around the team. And therefore around Max,” he said. Jos made it clear that he feels justified in speaking out when he feels something is not right, especially when it comes to matters affecting his son. “Of course I get involved in that. I see it all happening, and I think I am in a position to say something about it. If I am put on the spot, then I give my opinion.”
For Jos, everything he says or does is ultimately about protecting his son’s interests. He emphasized that his involvement is always focused on the bigger picture and ensuring Max’s success. “I will never harm Max. I look at the bigger picture. Ultimately, I stand behind everything I have said,” he added, showing no signs of backing down from his stance on Horner.
As Max Verstappen and Red Bull navigate a challenging 2024 season, the dynamic between Jos and Horner remains a topic of intrigue. While the younger Verstappen continues to perform at a high level despite the struggles of his car, the ongoing tension between his father and the team principal could potentially add another layer of complexity to Red Bull’s efforts to reclaim their dominance in Formula 1.
With Max’s future with Red Bull in question and rumors swirling about his possible exit from the team or the sport, it remains to be seen how the relationship between Jos and Horner will evolve in the coming months. For now, Jos Verstappen stands by his criticisms, indicating that he will continue to voice his opinions when necessary, always with his son’s best interests at heart.