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Verstappen Misses Miami GP Media Day Amid Family Matters and Growing Red Bull Strains
Max Verstappen’s absence from Thursday’s media activities at the Miami Grand Prix has sparked significant conversation in the F1 world. Red Bull Racing confirmed that the reigning world champion skipped the scheduled press duties to attend to “private family matters,” as he awaits the birth of his first child. Verstappen reportedly traveled back to Monaco to be with his partner, Kelly Piquet, whose due date is believed to be imminent.
While the team insists the situation is strictly personal, Verstappen’s unexpected withdrawal has intensified ongoing speculation about internal tensions at Red Bull, particularly between the Dutch driver and team principal Christian Horner. The timing of Verstappen’s absence—so close to a crucial race weekend—has led some insiders to suggest it may be more than just a family-related decision.
Verstappen’s Priorities and Subtle Signals
Red Bull’s statement emphasized that Verstappen is expected to return to Miami in time for Friday’s Free Practice 1 (FP1) session, but his decision to miss pre-race media responsibilities raised eyebrows. With Red Bull engaged in a tight championship fight against a resurgent McLaren and Ferrari, some observers see the move as indicative of Verstappen’s shifting priorities. While becoming a father is a significant personal milestone, there is growing belief that Verstappen’s choice to skip media obligations could also reflect his dissatisfaction with the ongoing turmoil within the team.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Verstappen, already frustrated with the political drama surrounding Red Bull this season, may be using his absence to send a subtle but powerful message to team management. His relationship with Horner has reportedly become strained over recent months, with Verstappen voicing concerns about the team’s direction and internal handling of off-track issues.
Horner’s Leadership Under Increasing Scrutiny
Christian Horner is once again facing criticism, with his management style and decision-making being questioned in light of Verstappen’s actions. The Red Bull boss has been at the center of several controversies this season, and Verstappen’s absence—whether intentional or not—has reignited conversations about whether Horner still has the full support of his star driver.
This isn’t the first sign of Verstappen’s frustration with the current state of Formula 1. Just weeks ago, he had a tense confrontation with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend in Jeddah. These incidents point to a broader sense of discontent from the three-time world champion, both with Red Bull and the sport’s governing bodies.
Uncertainty Ahead of the Race Weekend
If Verstappen returns as expected on Friday, he will have a condensed schedule, giving him less preparation time ahead of qualifying. This puts added pressure on both Verstappen and his teammate, Sergio Pérez, as Red Bull looks to fend off increasing competition from rival teams.
Should Verstappen be delayed further, the burden of securing vital championship points may fall solely on Pérez, adding even more weight to Red Bull’s already complex situation. Meanwhile, Horner will need to manage the growing scrutiny over his leadership and the long-term implications for Red Bull’s stability.
All eyes now turn to Friday’s practice sessions, where Verstappen’s return—or lack thereof—will speak volumes about the current state of affairs within Red Bull Racing.
