Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, will not attend the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following comments he made about under-fire Red Bull boss Christian Horner, sources told ESPN.
Horner was cleared of misconduct last week by Red Bull GmbH, parent company of the race team, following an investigation into an allegation of inappropriate behaviour by a Red Bull Racing employee.
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An email sent from an anonymous account with messages purportedly linked to the case was leaked to the media the day after the complaint was dismissed, but Horner has remained in his job.
McLaren boss Zak Brown and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff called on Formula One’s authorities to demand greater transparency from Red Bull over the recent investigation into Horner.
After his son won the Bahrain Grand Prix, Jos Verstappen told the Daily Mail: “There is tension here while [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.”
Jos Verstappen and Horner were seen having a heated argument the night before the Bahrain Grand Prix, although the Dutchman later came back to apologise.
Jos Verstappen reportedly told those close to him that his son will leave Red Bull if Horner stays. He is also reported to have had dinner with Wolff during the build-up to the race.
Mercedes has yet to find a replacement for Lewis Hamilton when the seven-time champion leaves for Ferrari in 2025. It is not known whether the reigning world champion shares his father’s opinion on Horner or on leaving the team if he stays.
Sources confirmed to ESPN that, with Red Bull tensions at a boiling point and with the narrative starting to shift towards him instead, Jos Verstappen will not be in the paddock this week in Jeddah.
The Telegraph have reported that he will take part in a rally race in Belgium instead.
It means he will be absent while his comments are centre stage in the build up to the race, with Max set to face the media on Wednesday.
His father’s quote about Horner caused a stir. A report in The Telegraph suggested that the reigning world champion has been left in the position of needing to choose between his father and the head of his all-conquering F1 team.
Sources with knowledge of the situation also suggested this feeling has been…
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