Red Bull Formula One team principal Christian Horner has denied vetoing the participation of Max Verstappen’s father Jos in an Austrian Grand Prix parade, as tensions between the two flared up again on Friday. The former F1 racer, Jos Verstappen, told Dutch media he had withdrawn from driving a 2012 Red Bull RB8 car in a ‘Legends Parade’ of drivers before Sunday’s race at the Red Bull Ring because Horner had objected. The www.formu1e1.nl website quoted Jos as saying, “I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a kindergarten here.”
This latest clash comes after Horner and Verstappen fell out earlier in the season following allegations of misconduct against the team boss by a female employee. Horner denied the allegations and was cleared after an investigation. In March, Jos Verstappen warned the team was in danger of being torn apart unless Horner left.
Asked for his side of the story at an Austrian Grand Prix news conference, Horner stated that the parade was organized by the circuit and that he had not vetoed Jos’s participation. “There was no veto from my side or anything like that,” he added.
Horner emphasized that his relationship with Max Verstappen remains strong, highlighting the 26-year-old’s key role in the team. “He’s the one that is important, obviously, to have a strong relationship with. I’ve never had an issue with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past,” he added. “And whatever Jos’s issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on.”
Max Verstappen confirmed on Thursday that he would be racing for Red Bull next year, addressing ongoing speculation about a potential move to Mercedes, whose boss Toto Wolff has publicly expressed his admiration for the driver. Horner dismissed the speculation about a move, stating, “I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction.” He added, “Of course, if he does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available.”
Red Bull is currently leading the championship comfortably, with Verstappen 69 points clear at the top after 10 of 24 races. Mercedes, once dominant, is currently in fourth place overall.
Horner concluded by stating, “I don’t think it’s really helpful to continue talking on the topic of Jos. I think our focus is very much on Max. He’s our driver. He’s who we have a contract with. And he’s who we’re focused on trying to win this Grand Prix with.”
