SUMMARY
- Jos Verstappen skips Saudi Arabian Grand Prix amid tensions with Red Bull's Christian Horner.
- Verstappen Sr. criticized Horner, expressing concerns over Red Bull's future while tensions escalate.
Amid escalating tensions with Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner, Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, has decided to skip the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend. Jos Verstappen will not be attending the race in Jeddah after making critical remarks about Horner, as per ESPN reports. The former Formula 1 driver was involved in a heated exchange with Horner.
The growing tensions within the garage of the reigning champions were ignited by the sexual misconduct allegations against the British team lead. Horner faced scrutiny following the claims. However, right after he was given a clean slate by the management, matters got worse with the leaked chats adding fuel to the controversy.
On the other hand, Jos Verstappen expressed concerns that Red Bull could face turmoil if issues persist.
Tensions escalate between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner
Verstappen Sr’s absence at the race in Jeddah will cast a negative spotlight on Red Bull and Horner. Despite Max Verstappen’s spectacular win at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Jos has decided to make the bold move regardless. However, the 26-year-old driver faces a dilemma, torn between supporting his father’s criticisms of Horner and Red Bull’s leadership.
🚨 As per @ESPNF1 Jos Verstappen will not be attending the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following the comments he made about Christian Horner pic.twitter.com/GVpVUcqgFb
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) March 4, 2024
While speaking to the Daily Mail, Jos Verstappen said, “There is tension here while he [Horner] remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems” while speaking about Horner.
As the word goes, the Dutch sensation is a devout and obedient son. The recent developments have intensified pressure on Red Bull, as they face the possibility of losing their star driver due to the Horner scandal.
F1 fans fume over Jos Verstappen’s comments on Horner
The night before the Bahrain Grand Prix, Jos Verstappen, and the Red Bull team principal engaged in a heated argument. But as far as reports go, the Dutchman later apologized. Nonetheless, fans were not delighted by Verstappen Sr. His growing engagement in team matters was disapproved by the F1 community.
A fan who goes by the username @Jukabaez wrote, “Jos’s presence has been an issue even before this scandal. Literally look at his reactions when Checo won Jeddah and Baku last year. Dude looked pissed. He is not above the team and RBR is not seeing that.”
This was in reference to the major scandal caused by the former racer when Sergio Perez won the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in 2023.
Toto Wolff sparks speculation: Max Verstappen to Mercedes?
Amid ongoing turbulence within Red Bull, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has not ruled out the possibility of Max Verstappen joining their team. The Dutch driver remains bound by his long-term contract, extending until the 2028 season. On the other hand, Silver Arrows will be going through a major reshuffle as Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari in the same year.
🚨 Toto Wolff met up with Jos Verstappen in the paddock
He initially downplayed the meeting, but when he was asked if Max Verstappen could end up at Mercedes in 2025, Wolff replied:
“Anything is possible.”
[@F1insidercom] pic.twitter.com/vGT1CmyXpv
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) March 3, 2024
According to Wolff, “I think the driver will always choose the quickest car, that is fundamentally what it’s all about at the moment. Red Bull is the quickest car, so that would, in my opinion, always be the priority. I have known Jos for 25 years – with ups and downs – and I just congratulated him on his son’s achievements. Max drives in a galaxy all his own.”
However, while speaking about the prospects of Verstappen partnering with Mercedes, Wolff said, “Anything is possible.” While it is improbable that the reigning champion will leave the team, ongoing turmoil at Red Bull leaves room for uncertainty.
