Christian Horner: Verstappen relationship remains "strong" despite Jos dispute
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
SPIELBERG, Austria -- Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has reaffirmed that his relationship with reigning champion Max Verstappen holds strong, despite recent tensions involving Max's father, Jos Verstappen.
Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Jos Verstappen launched allegations against Horner, accusing him of preventing him from driving a demonstration run in a Red Bull RB8 during the annual Legends Parade at the Red Bull Ring.
"In recent days, I have heard from several sides that Christian Horner has done everything to not let me drive," Jos Verstappen told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "Then I think, 'say it in my face'. This way, it doesn't have to be for me; I find it very disappointing."
In a separate interview with Formule1.nl, Jos Verstappen labelled Horner "childish" and declared he is "completely finished" with the team principal.
Responding to these remarks, Horner categorically dismissed the notion that he had any role in blocking Verstappen Sr. from participating in the Legends Parade.
"Look, I've been made aware [of the comments]," Horner stated. "The Legends Parade is something that is organised by the circuit. There was no veto from my side or anything like that. And I'm sure the Legends will be in action later."
Tensions between Horner and Jos Verstappen have been simmering since earlier this year, following accusations of inappropriate behavior against Horner by a female colleague—accusations Horner staunchly denied. An internal Red Bull investigation cleared Horner, but the controversy left Jos Verstappen expressing concerns that his presence risked "tearing apart" the team.
Despite the public disagreements with Jos, Horner maintains that these issues have not affected his connection with Max Verstappen, who currently leads the drivers' championship by a substantial 69 points.
"The relationship with Max has always been very good, very strong," Horner reaffirmed. "He's a key part of our team. He's our driver, and it's crucial to have a strong relationship with him. I've never had an issue with any of our drivers' fathers in the past. Whatever Jos's issues are, I've really got nothing to comment on."
Horner also addressed persistent rumors suggesting that Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull for Mercedes. During a press conference on Thursday, Verstappen reiterated his commitment to Red Bull through 2025. Horner suggested that such speculation might be a distraction tactic employed by Mercedes due to their recent poor performance.
"Max is an important part of our team," Horner asserted. "He's had all of his victories and podiums in Red Bull Racing cars, his three world championships so far, and he's a crucial member of the team. He enjoys being part of the team. He's got a tremendous group around him. And we know what the future looks like. Obviously, a lot of noise has been made about him going elsewhere, and sometimes, one just thinks that's a distraction tactic that's thrown in because you have to question what the motives are behind that."
Horner further took aim at Mercedes by noting that the driver market upheaval this year began with Lewis Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari in 2025.
"The driver that's created all the movement in the market had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulations and chose to leave and left the vacancy at Mercedes. That is why there has now been a little bit of speculation as to who will fill that seat. But it won't be Max Verstappen," Horner concluded.
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