Max Verstappen has avoided taking sides in the split which has emerged between his father and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Jos Verstappen claimed last week Horner should not remain in charge of the team despite an internal investigation clearing him of inappropriate behaviour. After Red Bull announced it had ‘dismissed the grievance’ made by a female staff member, a series of messages allegedly involving Horner were widely leaked.
While Horner remains in charge and has insisted the team remain united, his star driver’s father told newspapers last week the team would “explode” if he stays.
Asked about his father’s comments, Verstappen said: “From my side, I’m just focusing on the driving bit. And I think that is also the most important for the team right now.”
“That’s also why we came here and that’s our main target and also what we want to focus on, to not have this stuff going on race after race, because that is not good for the team,” he told Sky.
The rift has prompted speculation Verstappen could cut short his deal to drive for Red Bull and move to another team. He said the possibility of him driving for a team other than Red Bull next year is slim.
“Things must go really crazy, I guess, but that’s not the target for everyone.”
Should Verstappen choose to look elsewhere for next year, Mercedes would be a likely target, as the team needs a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. His current team mate George Russell said today he would be happy to share the team with Verstappen.
“Whoever were to line up alongside me next year or the years to come I welcome anybody, welcome a challenge,” he said. “You would want to go against the best.”
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