Red Bull Racing has officially responded to striking remarks made by Jos Verstappen, father of Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, who astonishingly called for the removal of team principal Christian Horner.
This dramatic development occurred shortly after Max Verstappen’s dominant win in the Bahrain Grand Prix, highlighting a brewing tension within the team.
Jos Verstappen expressed his concerns to the Daily Mail, stating, “There is tension here while he remains in position.
“The team is in danger of being torn apart.
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“It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode.
“He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
These comments came after an alleged heated exchange between Verstappen Sr. and Horner in the F1 paddock, which initially saw Verstappen storm out only to return for a reluctant handshake.
In the wake of these allegations, Red Bull Racing quickly attempted to quell any speculation of internal discord.
A spokesperson for the team assured, “There are no issues here.
“The team are united and we are focused on racing,” indicating their intention to move past the controversy and concentrate on the sport.
The timing of these events is particularly sensitive for Horner, who had recently been exonerated from accusations of misconduct towards a female employee.
However, the leak of alleged messages from him has escalated scrutiny. Amidst this, his wife, Geri, joined him in a display of solidarity at the Grand Prix.
The situation has become a significant distraction from Red Bull’s performance on the track.
Max Verstappen continued his dominant form from the previous season by winning the Bahrain Grand Prix convincingly, with teammate Sergio Perez finishing second.
READ: Christian Horner interrupted meeting amid misconduct investigation
This should have been a moment of celebration for the reigning constructors’ champions, but the ongoing controversy has overshadowed their achievements.
Jos Verstappen’s critical comments and the subsequent reaction from Red Bull Racing underscore a potential rift within the team.
While Horner has committed to continuing his role at the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the stance of key figures like Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez on the matter remains undisclosed, adding an element of uncertainty to the team’s internal dynamics as the season progresses.