Christian Horner denies vetoing Verstappen Sr as tensions flare
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Red Bull boss Christian Horner (left) has denied vetoing the participation of Max Verstappen's father Jos (right) in an Austrian Grand Prix parade.
PHOTOS: REUTERS, AFP/APA
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SPIELBERG – Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has denied vetoing the participation of Max Verstappen’s father Jos in an Austrian Grand Prix parade, as tensions between the two flared up again on June 28.
The elder Verstappen, a former Formula One driver, told Dutch media he had withdrawn from driving a 2012 Red Bull RB8 car in a “Legends Parade” of drivers before the June 30 race at the Red Bull Ring because Horner had objected.
“I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a kindergarten here,” Jos was quoted as saying.
The incident came as Verstappen claimed pole position in sprint qualifying on the same day, ahead of the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton of the Mercedes start together on the third row. Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez is in seventh, with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon eighth and Pierre Gasly ninth. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc starts 10th.
The sprint race takes place on June 29, as well as qualifying for the main race on June 30.
Horner and Jos fell out earlier in the season after allegations of misconduct were made by a female employee against the team boss, who denied them and was cleared after an investigation.
In March, Jos warned that the team were in danger of being torn apart unless Horner left.
Asked for his side of the story at an Austrian Grand Prix news conference, Horner said the parade was organised by the circuit and he had no part to play in it.
“There was no veto from my side or anything like that,” he added.
Horner also said his relationship with Verstappen remained very strong, and the 26-year-old Dutchman was a key part of the team.
“He’s the one that is important, obviously, to have a strong relationship with. I’ve never had an issue with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past. And whatever Jos’ issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on,” he said.
Red Bull‘s Max Verstappen claimed pole position in sprint qualifying on June 28, ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell.
PHOTO: AFP
Verstappen confirmed on June 27 he would be racing for Red Bull next season, in response to ongoing speculation about a move to Mercedes, whose boss Toto Wolff has been clear in his admiration.
“It’s purely a tactic of distraction,” Horner said of Wolff’s approach and the stories generated.
“Of course, if he does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available.”
Red Bull, on 330 points, are leading the constructors’ championship, 60 points clear of second-placed Ferrari, with McLaren (237) and Mercedes (151) right behind. Meanwhile, Verstappen is 69 points clear at the top of the drivers’ standings after 10 of 24 races.
“It’s really not helpful to continue talking on the topic of Jos,” Horner added as he faced more questions about his driver’s father.
“I think our focus is very much on Max. He’s our driver. He’s who we have a contract with. And he’s who we’re focused on trying to win this grand prix with.” REUTERS
