Saturday’s opening race at the Sakhir circuit in the Gulf kingdom was relatively uneventful compared to the ongoing power struggle within the dominant team. The team’s owner, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, publicly supported Horner amidst misconduct allegations, but there are reports of divisions within the company. Verstappen senior’s remarks to the Daily Mail, suggesting that Red Bull would face turmoil if Horner remained, have raised questions as the circus heads to Jeddah for the next race. Despite Horner’s claims of unity, tensions continue to escalate, with Verstappen senior warning of potential destruction within the team.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Verstappen senior has confided in friends that his son may leave Red Bull if necessary. While Horner maintains that the team is more united than ever, Verstappen senior’s opinions carry weight despite his unofficial status within the team. The aftermath of a reported altercation between Jos and Horner following Friday’s qualifying session has garnered international attention. Verstappen senior accuses Horner of playing the victim while causing problems that could ultimately tear the team apart.
The BBC reports that Jos Verstappen has confirmed speaking out against Horner following their dispute. Max Verstappen, aware of his father’s comments, has chosen not to publicly address the situation. The confrontation occurred shortly after an anonymous email, claiming to contain evidence related to the misconduct investigation against Horner, was sent to journalists and influential figures in the sport. Verstappen senior, among the recipients, denies any involvement in the email.
After the race, Horner declined to comment on the motivation behind the email when questioned by reporters. The pressing concern now is whether the long-simmering tensions within the team have reached a breaking point and how Max Verstappen, aged 26, will respond. Horner, who has been the team’s boss since Red Bull’s entry into Formula 1 in 2005, enjoys a high-profile lifestyle and is a prominent figure in the Netflix documentary series “Drive to Survive.”
He is married to Geri Halliwell, a member of the Spice Girls, and under his leadership, the team based in Milton Keynes secured their sixth Constructors’ F1 Title last year by winning 21 out of 22 races. Both of them were present at the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, which seemed to be a display of solidarity.
Max achieved a remarkable feat by winning 19 races last year, and his victory on Saturday, which included securing pole position, setting the fastest lap, and leading every lap, was considered a “grand slam.”
His exceptional talent is evident from the fact that he earned more points on his own in the previous season than Mercedes, the second-placed constructor, managed with their two drivers, including the seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Throughout his successful career, he has been associated with Red Bull and has a contract with them until 2028. However, if Verstappen decides to leave, he would have numerous options as Mercedes, who were once dominant, will need a replacement for Hamilton, who will be joining Ferrari in 2025 in anticipation of a major rule change in 2026.
During the Bahrain Grand Prix, Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, was frequently seen with Jos Verstappen. While this may not usually attract attention as they are old friends, this time it received significant media coverage.
Wolff praised Verstappen’s outstanding performance on Saturday, describing it as being on a completely different level. However, he declined to comment on whether Verstappen could be a potential candidate for the 2025 season, stating that a driver will always choose the fastest car, as that is ultimately what matters. (Report by Abhishek Takle; Additional reporting and writing by Alan Baldwin)