Max Verstappen said he understands his father’s frustration over the latest falling-out between him and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Jos Verstappen has claimed he was prevented from taking part in the Legends Parade demonstration run in a Red Bull car at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix following an intervention by Horner. The event takes place at the Austrian circuit owned by Red Bull.
The three-times world championship admitted he was unhappy with the situation. “Naturally, of course, it is not nice,” said Verstappen in today’s FIA press conference. “[Not] for myself, for my dad, for Christian or the team. Of course, I don’t want these things to happen.
“My dad has been quite clear about the reasons behind it and of course I can understand his opinion on that because, at the end of the day, he gets asked to drive the car and finds out he is not wanted to drive the car.
“Well, my dad actually doesn’t care, but he got asked to please do it for the Dutch fans. Red Bull – we have a great relationship with [them], our home track. So I understand.
“On the other end is to focus on performance that it takes, so I want a good relationship with everyone, but of course this scenario could have been avoided.”
Verstappen’s father and Horner have been at odds since the Red Bull team principal was investigated for alleged inappropriate behaviour earlier this year. Horner was cleared following the investigation but the outcome is subject to an appeal.
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Yesterday Horner denied interfering in the decision to invite the former F1 driver to participate in the event. “The Legends Parade is something that is organised by the circuit,” he said. “There was no veto from my side or anything like that.”
“The relationship with Max has always been very good, very strong,” Horner added. “He’s a key part of our team and he’s our driver, 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. And whatever Jos’s issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on.”
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2024 Austrian Grand Prix
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