Max Verstappen, the winner of the race, representing Red Bull Racing, was seen in parc ferme after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on March 9, 2024. The Formula 1 World Championship, Round 2, took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Jos Verstappen, the father of Max Verstappen, has disclosed that his son is not fond of being questioned about Christian Horner. Recent reports suggest that Max now has a break clause in his contract with Red Bull Formula 1. Despite Red Bull’s continued dominance on the track in the early stages of 2024, the focus has shifted to the ongoing saga involving Horner. Although the allegations of inappropriate behavior against the Red Bull Team Principal were dismissed, Verstappen Sr expressed concerns that Horner’s presence could disrupt the team.
A photograph captured Verstappen Sr engaged in conversation with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in Bahrain. It is believed that Wolff is searching for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who will be joining Ferrari in 2025. Speculation linking Verstappen with a move to Mercedes intensified during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko suggested that Verstappen could be suspended. When asked about Marko’s situation, the three-time F1 champion acknowledged that his own future could be affected if his long-time confidant departs.
Verstappen has expressed his desire for the focus to be on Red Bull’s continued success. His father, Jos, confirmed that Max is growing frustrated with external developments. Jos stated that it is important for the team to regain stability and focus on racing. He emphasized that Max’s performance remains excellent and there are no issues between him and the engineers. However, Max receives numerous questions regarding the ongoing situation, which he finds bothersome. Jos acknowledged that dealing with such inquiries is part of being in Formula 1.
In light of the escalating tension within the Red Bull camp, Motorsport.com recently reported that Verstappen’s contract now includes an exit clause that extends until 2028. This clause was not part of the original agreement when Verstappen signed with Red Bull in 2022. It is believed that the clause was unilaterally introduced by the Verstappens and Marko without the knowledge of Red Bull’s F1 team or Horner. According to Motorsport.com, Marko had the authority to authorize this action due to his position as a Red Bull Racing director.
While Mercedes’ Toto Wolff expressed his eagerness to sign Verstappen and welcomed Marko to the team, he revealed that Verstappen will remain with Red Bull. This decision was reached after discussions between Marko and Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Red Bull achieved another 1-2 finish.