Jos Verstappen, father of four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, has publicly addressed his ongoing criticism of Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner. Despite the internal investigation that cleared Horner of any wrongdoing, Jos Verstappen remains firm in his stance, stating he does not “at all” regret his remarks.
Background of the Controversy
Earlier this season, Jos Verstappen voiced serious concerns about the direction of Red Bull under Horner’s leadership. In an interview with Mail Sport, he warned that “the team is in danger of being torn apart” if Horner remained in his position. He further claimed that the team would “explode” without significant changes. These comments came at a time when tensions were reportedly high within the team.
In August, amidst Max’s pursuit of a fourth consecutive championship, Jos escalated his criticism, stating he was “completely finished” with Horner. This public feud drew attention not only from fans but also from within the team, with Max himself commenting that the situation was “not nice” for anyone involved.
Max Verstappen‘s Perspective
Max Verstappen, while focused on securing his championship title, acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation, emphasizing that such public disputes were undesirable. “Not for myself, not for my dad, not for Christian or for the team,” he said, underlining the potential impact of personal conflicts on team dynamics.
Despite the rocky relationship between his father and Horner, Max successfully defended his championship title in 2024, overcoming challenges from rivals like McLaren and Ferrari.
Jos Verstappen‘s Unwavering Stance
In recent statements, Jos Verstappen reiterated that he stands by his previous comments regarding Horner. He believes the actions of the team principal significantly influence the overall atmosphere and performance of the team. “What the team boss does or does not do influences everything that is going on around the team, and therefore around Max,” he explained.
Jos emphasized that his involvement is driven by his desire to protect his son’s interests. “Of course I get involved in that… If I am put on the spot, I will give my opinion. I will never harm Max. I look at the overall picture. At the end of the day, I stand by everything I said.”
Stability in the Red Bull Camp
Following a season marked by several high-profile departures at Red Bull, including design chief Adrian Newey moving to Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley taking over as team principal at Sauber/Audi, Jos Verstappen believes there is now a renewed sense of stability within the team.
He noted, “I do have that feeling,” indicating that the current leadership structure is beginning to foster a more cohesive environment. Jos also highlighted that Helmut Marko, the team’s top advisor, seems to have regained influence, which he views as a positive development. “The team is now growing a bit more together again,” he asserted.
Conclusion
Jos Verstappen’s outspoken criticism of Christian Horner highlights the complexities of team dynamics within Formula 1, particularly when family ties are involved. While tensions have simmered in the past, the current climate at Red Bull appears to be stabilizing, allowing the team to focus on its goals.
As Max Verstappen continues to excel on the track, the support from his father remains a crucial element in navigating the pressures of the sport. Whether this public dispute will have lasting effects on the team’s performance remains to be seen, but for now, both Verstappen and Red Bull seem poised to move forward together as they seek further success in the coming seasons.
