Max Verstappen has reacted to his father Jos's outspoken criticism of Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner. Claims made by a Red Bull employee against Horner even before the 2024 Red Bull was revealed threw a shadow over the 2024 F1 season, and Jos Verstappen's remarks emerged soon after the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix. Alleged screenshots of discussions between Horner and the accuser were included in an anonymous email forwarded to Formula 1 authorities and journalists, even though Horner was eventually exonerated by external legal review.
As a result, rumours about Verstappen possibly leaving his current contract intensified, with Mercedes being mentioned as a possible destination for him in the team's quest to find a driver to replace Lewis Hamilton. While speaking to reporters in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Max Verstappen brushed down any concerns he may have about the current state of Red Bull, highlighting his unwillingness to become too involved in the team's internal politics.
Even if Mercedes is keen in getting Verstappen, they realise that his future is dependent on the car he chooses, which is something Red Bull is currently doing better at. Verstappen is up-to-date on the latest news following the chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix weekend because he has spent the past few days in Dubai with his father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen. Jos Verstappen's forceful comments have escalated the matter, but the reigning world champion has chosen not to get involved or take a position.
F1: Horner's Controversy
Even though an independent inquiry cleared the team principal of the accusations made by a female employee, the scandal surrounding Horner and Red Bull has persisted into the second round of the season.
Horner has never once commented on the released email, despite his adamant denials of guilt throughout the entire affair. Jos Verstappen is vehemently denying rumours that he is involved in a plot to depose Horner. While the team has denied any animosity, rumours have been circulating that Verstappen may be influenced to join Mercedes next year due to the perceived divide. This is particularly true in light of Lewis Hamilton's shocking announcement in February that he would be leaving for Ferrari at the end of the season.
Red Bull GmbH, the parent business of Red Bull Racing, has a Thai majority stakeholder that supports Horner, but his future is still up in the air. When asked again about staying if Horner remained team principal, Verstappen Jr. was unsure, continuing a pattern from last week when he was hesitant to declare complete faith in Horner and only verified support from a "performance" standpoint.
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