2024-03-04 02:13:24
Even Christian Horner’s clearance from allegations of inappropriate behavior and a double in Saturday’s Bahrain Grand Prix did not bring peace to the Red Bull Formula 1 team. Jos Verstappen, the father of three-time champion Max, called on the team boss to resign in Sáchiro.
Before the start of the new season, Horner faced accusations that he behaved inappropriately towards a Red Bull employee. An internal investigation of the drinks giant, which is behind the successful Formula 1 stable, cleared him even before the races in Sáchiro.
Shortly after, sexually suggestive text messages from an alleged WhatsApp conversation between Horner and the person in question appeared in the email inboxes of a number of influential people, including Jose Verstappen,
The British manager refused to comment on the content of the controversial email. At the same time, his wife, the former successful singer Geri Halliwell (now Horner), flew to Bahrain with Horner to demonstrate the idyllic nature of their relationship.
However, the senior Verstappen was clearly very outraged by the details of the alleged harassment of an as yet unknown woman by the first man of the F1 team. He publicly declared on Saturday during the first Grand Prix of the year that the team could “explode” due to the tension. At the same time, he accused Horner of being the main cause of these problems.
The Red Bull boss responded by saying he would not let the “motives” of those trying to destroy him distract from his team and family.
Christian Horner a Jos Verstappen | Foto: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool /
“I’m not going to comment on what anybody’s motivation might be. I’m focused on this team, my family, my wife and racing. I have the support of an incredible family, with an incredible wife and an incredible team. And everyone on this team. I’m focused on to race, win races and do my best,” said the 50-year-old manager.
Former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen said in Sachiro that there is deep-seated tension within the team. “There’s tension while he stays in his position… The team is in danger of falling apart. It can’t go on like this. He’s going to explode. He’s playing the victim, but he’s the one causing the problems.”
At the same time, Jos Verstappen himself was identified by internal sources as one of those who wanted Horner to resign before the start of the new year of the championship. However, the Dutchman denies this and questions the logic of such an action given his son’s achievements in the team.
Max Verstappen supported Horner amid all the controversy. “He’s an incredible team boss. Despite what’s going on, we’re focused on results,” said the rider.