Just In: Max Verstappen Reveals How Christian Horner Drama Affected Him After…read more
Max Verstappen Reveals How Christian Horner Drama Affected Him After…read more
Max Verstappen has recently opened up about the challenging period surrounding Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, shedding light on how the drama affected both him and the team. The controversy began in early February 2024 when a female employee at Red Bull accused Horner of “inappropriate, controlling behavior,” leading to an internal investigation by Red Bull GmbH. Although Horner was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent lawyer in late February, the tension within the team continued to grow. The woman who made the allegations sought to appeal the decision, but her request was also dismissed in August 2024 after a review by another independent figure, a King’s Counsel.
Verstappen, reflecting on the period during an interview for the Viaplay documentary Lion Unleashed, acknowledged that the situation was difficult for everyone involved, with tension running high within the team. Despite the distractions, Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing team focused on performance, an approach that he felt was crucial during the crisis. “It was not nice for everyone in the team, but on the other hand, we are there for the performance side of things. That’s what I get paid for as well,” Verstappen shared in the documentary. “You have to put your mind to that.”
The stress was intensified by public remarks from Verstappen’s father, Jos, who publicly called for Horner’s resignation. This led to heated discussions in the paddock and added another layer of pressure for Verstappen, as the conflict was not limited to team politics but spilled into public view. Verstappen, however, managed to maintain his professionalism during this turbulent period. Despite the chaos, he kept his attention on improving the car, collaborating with his engineers to ensure that they would continue to perform well on the track. “We had a car that we wanted to work on and make better, and we wanted to arrive there and win the races,” Verstappen explained, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s goals.
Jos Verstappen, in his comments, praised his son’s maturity during the crisis, noting how Max kept a level head and remained focused on the bigger picture. “He was very professional in that he didn’t go into details or whatever. He stood by the team, he stood by me, and he kept them all together. He handled it really professionally,” Jos Verstappen said, commending his son for his ability to manage the pressure without allowing the situation to affect his performance or relationship with the team.
Throughout this period, Verstappen remained dedicated to his work, trying to block out the noise and continue driving the team forward. He acknowledged the stress but stressed that his focus remained on working with his engineers to improve the car. This focus on performance helped Red Bull Racing maintain their competitive edge in a difficult time.
Verstappen’s approach during the crisis reflects his strong sense of professionalism and his commitment to achieving success, regardless of the distractions around him. His ability to separate the internal drama from his work on the track demonstrates his maturity as both a driver and a team member. While the drama surrounding Horner caused a significant stir within the Red Bull Racing team, Verstappen’s handling of the situation reinforced his reputation as a dedicated and focused driver, unshaken by off-track turbulence.
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