Christian Horner has addressed Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, urging him to step down as Red Bull boss for fear of the F1 team ‘exploding’. Horner is in Saudi Arabia preparing for this weekend’s Grand Prix, following Red Bull’s one-two finish in Bahrain.
Red Bull GmbH investigated and later dismissed a complaint filed against Horner by a female colleague alleging inappropriate behaviour. The 50-year-old has remained under fire, however, as WhatsApp texts and images reportedly sent by Horner to an unknown person were leaked to journalists via an anonymous source.
Horner categorically rejects any wrongdoing and expects to continue doing his team principal duties as usual. A falling out with Jos Verstappen has exacerbated the matter, as the two were seen having a heated debate last weekend in Bahrain.
Verstappen Sr went on to ask for Horner’s resignation. “There is tension here while he remains in position,” he told The Daily Mail. “The team is in risk of breaking apart. It cannot continue the way it is. “It is going to explode.”
Verstappen Jr, the reigning three-time world champion and Red Bull legend, defended his father when asked if he regretted the statements, claiming that ‘he is not a liar’
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During a stressful press conference on Thursday, Horner selected his words carefully, saying: “Max’s father has played an important role in his career and getting him to Formula One.” Jos is his own guy, whereas Max is his own man. It is not my place to remark on father-driver relationships. They are unique to each individual.
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