Christian Horner says everyone at Red Bull is focused purely on the Formula 1 championship after Max Verstappen’s father called for the team principal to be sacked.
Horner has been at the centre of a scandal that has overshadowed the start of the 2024 season after a female employee of Red Bull accused him of ‘inappropriate behaviour’.
The 50-year-old was cleared after an investigation, though texts and images supposedly related to the probe have been leaked, and the team principal has remained under huge scrutiny.
Just hours after his son Max, won the season opening race in Bahrain last weekend, Jos Verstappen sensationally called for Horner to be sacked, saying: ‘There is tension here while he [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.’
Footage later emerged from Bahrain appearing to show Horner and Verstappen Snr. having a ‘blazing row’, amid reports that there is plenty of tension between the top brass at Red Bull.
Max has attempted to avoid speaking on the matter but on Wednesday, ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he defiantly stated that his dad was ‘not a liar’.
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded…
Monday 5 February – Red Bull confirm investigation into Horner over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations
Friday 9 February – Horner grilled by independent lawyer during eight-hour hearing
Thursday 15 February – Horner attends Red Bull’s 2024 car launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time – says he ‘fully denies’ any wrongdoing
Friday 16 February – Fresh allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner sent messages of a ‘suggestive nature’ to a female employee
Wednesday 21 February to Friday 23 February – Horner attends Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain – says: ‘We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible’
Friday 23 February – Sixth series of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix – Horner and wife Geri Halliwell feature in docuseries
Wednesday 28 February – Horner cleared of allegations – Red Bull say: ‘The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal’
Thursday 29 February – WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel
Friday 1 March – Horner summoned for showdown talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem – later, Horner has a ‘blazing row’ with Jos Verstappen
Saturday 2 March – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins season opening Bahrain Grand Prix – hours later, Jos, Max’s father, warns Red Bull ‘is in danger of being torn apart’ unless Horner leaves
Wednesday 6 March – Deadline for complainant to appeal outcome of investigation
Thursday 7 March to Saturday 9 March – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Max says in build-up that his father is ‘not a liar’
Thursday 7 March – Horner’s accuser is suspended on full pay by Red Bull
On Thursday, Horner finally had the chance to address the latest of the saga and respond to Jos’ comments, but as usual, he was keen to play down the matter, saying: ‘Max’s father has played a key role in his career and getting him to Formula One.
‘Jos is is own man, Max is his own man. It’s not for me to comment on relationships between fathers and drivers. They are all unique between the different individuals.
‘I’m obviously aware of the comments that were made. There was a discussion subsequent to the race and I think everybody’s focus is very much on the future.
‘The team’s focus is very much on defending both of these these world titles we have fought so hard to achieve. Our focus is very much on the future and, as I say, discussions took place following the race in Bahrain and we are all looking forward.’
Jos Verstappen is a figure of controversy himself and Sir Lewis Hamilton even warned fellow F1 champion Max of the dangers working so closely with a parent in sport can bring.
Jos’ remarks have fuelled speculation that Max could shockingly leave Red Bull, whom he has raced for his entire career and won the last three championships with.
Christian Horner investigation – what we know
The 26-year-old’s contract, which runs till 2028, has a break clause, though the Dutchman says he hopes to remain with the team for many years to come.
Asked about his star driver’s future, Horner added: ‘I’m certain that he will [see out his current deal].
‘He’s got a great team around him, he’s got great faith in that team, and we have achieved an awful lot together.
‘He’s committed to an agreement to 2028 and from the team side, from Max’s side, we’re determined to build on the success we’ve achieved already.’
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MORE : Christian Horner breaks silence after accuser is suspended by Red Bull
