Breaking: Max Verstappen lifts lid on bitter Horner row with his dad Jos as relationship takes tur…read more
Max Verstappen lifts lid on bitter Horner row with his dad Jos as relationship takes tur…read more
Max Verstappen has opened up about the intense feud between his father, Jos Verstappen, and Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, which nearly caused a major rift within the team and pushed the Dutch driver to the verge of leaving.
The conflict stemmed from allegations made against Horner earlier in the year. In February, the Red Bull boss faced accusations of inappropriate behavior towards a female employee. An internal investigation into the claims lasted three weeks, ultimately clearing Horner of any wrongdoing in March. Despite the resolution, the incident sparked calls from Jos Verstappen for Horner to step down from his position, which he has held since 2005.
Jos, himself a former F1 driver, reportedly felt that Horner’s position had become untenable, urging the team to take action. The rift grew deeper when Jos was rumored to have engaged in discussions with Mercedes about a potential transfer for his son, Max, to their rival team. Such a move would have been a monumental shift in the F1 landscape, given Verstappen’s status as a dominant figure in the sport and a cornerstone of Red Bull’s success.
Max Verstappen, now 27, found himself caught in the middle of the dispute. The situation put the reigning world champion in an awkward position, forcing him to navigate loyalty to his father while balancing his commitment to Red Bull, the team that nurtured his career and helped him achieve multiple championships.
Despite the challenges, Horner was able to persuade Verstappen to remain with the team. Horner’s longstanding leadership and ability to weather internal and external storms proved crucial in maintaining stability at Red Bull. The Dutch driver’s decision to stay was a significant boost for the team, ensuring continuity as they aim to sustain their dominance in F1.
The fallout from the controversy had also strained the relationship between Max and his father, but recent developments suggest that tensions have begun to ease. Verstappen has hinted that his bond with Jos is now on the path to recovery after years of underlying issues.
This incident highlights the intense pressures within the world of F1, where personal relationships and professional allegiances often collide. For Verstappen and Red Bull, moving past this chapter marks a renewed focus on the future as they strive for continued success on the track.
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