Christian Horner has disputed that he prevented Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, from participating in a legends’ parade ahead of Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix.
Verstappen Snr was scheduled to drive the Red Bull machine that propelled Sebastian Vettel to the world title in 2012, ahead of the team’s home race in Spielberg this weekend.
However, Verstappen Snr, 52, has withdrew from the event after being quoted in Dutch media as saying Horner did not want him to participate.
In response to Verstappen Snr’s comments, Red Bull team principal Horner stated: “The legends’ parade is something planned by the circuit, and there was no veto from my side or anything like that.
“My relationship with Max has always been very positive and strong, and he is an important member of our team.” He is our driver, and we must have a close relationship with him.
“I’ve never had a problem with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past, but whatever Jos’ problems are, I don’t have anything to say about it.
“Despite this year’s distractions, we have seen amazing success. We have won 70% of the races so far and lead both global championships. You cannot control everything in life, and I cannot control my interactions with drivers’ fathers.”
Verstappen Snr is making only his second appearance in the paddock since claiming at the season’s first race in Bahrain that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner stayed in charge.
Horner was cleared by the racing team’s parent business, Red Bull GmbH, of alleged domineering behaviour towards a female coworker before WhatsApp communications between him and his complaint were published.
Verstappen Snr, a teammate of Michael Schumacher in the 1990s, is said to have approached Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff about a move from Red Bull to the Silver Arrows following the controversy.
However, his son, who is under contract until 2028, stated on Thursday that he had no immediate plans to leave Red Bull.
Mercedes will have a spare seat alongside George Russell next year following Lewis Hamilton’s stunning move to Ferrari, and Wolff has made no secret of his ambition to sign Verstappen.
But Horner went on to say, “Max was adamant about what he said in his news conference yesterday, and he has always been completely consistent with the team.
“It is solely a distraction strategy for Toto, and you have to wonder what the motivations are.
“The driver (Hamilton) who started the market movement had complete knowledge of the Mercedes engine for 2026, but he chose to quit.
“That has sparked conjecture about who will take that seat, but it won’t be Max Verstappen. And if he (Wolff) wants a Verstappen next year, I suppose Jos may be available.”
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