The timing of these events is particularly delicate for Horner, who had recently been cleared of allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a female staff member. Red Bull Racing has officially responded to strong statements made by Jos Verstappen, father of Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, who surprisingly called for the removal of team principal Christian Horner. This dramatic development occurred shortly after Max Verstappen’s dominant victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, highlighting a growing tension within the team. Jos Verstappen expressed his concerns to the Daily Mail, stating, “There is unease here while he remains in his position. The team is at risk of falling apart. It cannot continue like this. It will explode. He is portraying himself as the victim, when he is the one causing the issues.” These remarks came after an alleged heated confrontation between Verstappen Sr. and Horner in the F1 paddock, which initially led to Verstappen storming out but later returning for a reluctant handshake.
In response to these allegations, Red Bull Racing swiftly attempted to dispel any speculation of internal discord. A team spokesperson reassured, “There are no problems here. The team is 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 cleared of allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a female staff member. However, the release of alleged messages attributed to him has intensified scrutiny. Amidst this, his wife, Geri, stood by his side in a show 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 convincingly winning the Bahrain Grand Prix, with teammate Sergio Perez finishing in second place. This should have been a moment of celebration for the reigning constructors’ champions, but the ongoing controversy has overshadowed their accomplishments. Jos Verstappen’s critical comments and the subsequent response from Red Bull Racing highlight a potential division within the team. While Horner has committed to remaining in 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.