Max Verstappen’s father will not attend this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after calling for Christian Horner to leave Red Bull Racing.
Horner, 50, was cleared of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ allegations by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the race team last week following allegations from a female Red Bull employee.
The day after the complaint was dismissed, an anonymous email leaked a series of text messages and photos alleged to be related to the probe.
Horner was joined by his wife Geri Halliwell in Bahrain with the former Spice Girl said be left ‘stunned’ and ‘humiliated’ by the leak.
Horner has denied all claims but the chaos continued at the opening race of the season in Bahrain on Saturday where defending champion Max Verstappen picked up from where he left off last season.
After watching his son cruise to victory, Jos Verstappen told the Daily Mail ‘the team is in danger of being torn apart’ as long as Horner remains in his position as team principal.
‘There is tension here while he (Horner) remains in position,’ he said. ‘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.’
Horner and Verstappen Snr were also seen in an animated debate but the exact nature of their exchange appeared unclear. Reports suggest however there was a ‘falling out’ between the pair in Bahrain last week.
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 to Saturday 2 March – Formula 1 season gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix
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
Saturday 2 March – Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, warns Red Bull Racing ‘is in danger of being torn apart’ unless Horner leaves
Jos Verstappen has been almost ever-present in the paddock during his son’s F1 career. But with tensions mounting, he will not attend this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, ESPN report.
Christian Horner investigation – what we know
Reports elsewhere however suggest Verstappen Snr’s absence is a planned one. PlanetF1 claim he will not be in Saudi as he is due to take part in the Rallye de Hannut in Belgium.
Max Verstappen meanwhile has not publicly backed Horner, distancing himself from the controversy over the weekend.
‘From my side, and I think what I can see also from the mechanics and the engineers, we are fully focused on the car and the performance here during the weekend.
‘And that’s how it should be, I think, and that’s what we continue to do, because it’s not our business. We’re not particularly involved in that.
‘And we are here, we are paid to do our job, and that’s what we are doing and that’s also what we love doing. So that’s what we focus on.’
MORE : Max Verstappen in secret talks with FIA president over Christian Horner scandal
MORE : Max Verstappen ‘could leave’ Red Bull over Christian Horner scandal
