Jos Verstappen has once again voiced strong criticism towards Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, amidst ongoing controversy.
This reaction follows Horner’s exoneration from accusations of misconduct by a female Red Bull employee, a decision that has failed to quell the unfolding drama.
The controversy surrounding Horner was reignited by a series of WhatsApp messages shared among various figures in the Formula 1 community and the media.
Despite being cleared, the allegations have continued to stir issues within the team, attracting commentary from Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, who has previously suggested that Horner should resign due to the negative impact the situation is having on the team.
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In a statement to the Daily Mail, Jos Verstappen expressed empathy towards the accuser, remarking, “I sympathise with the woman, with all that she went through, but we will see what happens.”
He highlighted the ongoing difficulties faced by the Red Bull employee involved, whose identity remains confidential, and shared his concerns over the effects of the scandal on his son, Max.
Jos pointed out how the controversy has overshadowed the team’s and Max’s racing performance, particularly noting an instance where the focus was shifted away from Max’s achievements to Horner’s personal issues during a press conference.
“He was third in the first practice, and all we hear about is Horner and what happened with his situation,” Jos stated, emphasizing the distraction this causes from the racing itself.
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Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Horner has appealed for the matter to be put to rest, a sentiment Jos Verstappen skeptically regards, doubting the feasibility of moving beyond the controversy at this stage.
Despite acknowledging Horner’s unlikely resignation, Jos’s primary concern remains his son’s happiness and performance, amidst Red Bull’s efforts to navigate their off-track troubles without affecting their competitive edge.
As the team heads to the Saudi GP in Jeddah, the focus is on overcoming these challenges to maintain their status as three-time champions, with Max Verstappen aiming to set a strong precedent for the race.