Since the last couple of years, Red Bull Racing has redeemed itself the most powerful team on the Formula 1 grid, with the likes of Mercedes, McLaren, and even Ferrari, struggling to get anywhere close to Red Bull’s performance. And behind the Milton Keynes outfit’s ruthless success stands Max Verstappen, a young fierce Dutch racing driver who boasts the history of ending Lewis Hamilton’s decade-long domination.
Furthermore, the Dutchman is on course to record what would be his fourth world championship title on the trot. Hence, one might reckon that Verstappen has absolutely no reason to leave such a dominant team behind to settle for something lesser. However, reality pictures something entirely different, increasing the probability of Verstappen moving to a different team as early as next season. Why you might ask?
Well, the entire motorsport community is aware of the Horner story which came to light earlier this year. Although the allegations against the Briton were eventually cleared, the whole drama has somehow left the entire team in tatters. It all started with Adrian Newey’s resignation, and remember, Verstappen has often emphasized the need for unity. And why wouldn’t he? Red Bull’s success relied entirely on unity, with the likes of Verstappen, Horner, Newey, and Marko living in absolute tranquility.
🚨 Jos Verstappen has withdrawn from driving the RB8 at Spielberg for the Legends Parade event
Jos: “Heard from several sources that Christian Horner did everything he could not to let me drive. Then I thought: say it to my face. I find it very disappointing.”
[@ErikvHaren] https://t.co/4wtAAp28tm
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) June 28, 2024
But, the present scenario looks a bit too uncomfortable for Max, especially with his own father Jos Verstappen locking horns with Horner. The latest story and Horner’s subsequent reply could have an impact on the three-time world champion’s eventual decision.
How Horner and Jos could provoke Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull
Jos Verstappen was gearing up for the Legends Parade event ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. And the senior Dutchman was all set to drive Red Bull’s RB8 around the Red Bull Ring circuit. However, He eventually decided to back out of it for reasons pointing towards his nemesis, Horner; When questioned about his shocking decision, Verstappen revealed that Horner had silently been seeking ways to not let Jos get his hands on the RB8.
Christian Horner hits back at Toto Wolff’s statements regarding Max:
“If Mercedes wants to have a Verstappen in the car next year, then Jos might be available.”
[@ErikvHaren] pic.twitter.com/rZUrHMBGj1
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) June 28, 2024
“Heard from several sources that Christian Horner did everything he could not to let me drive. Then I thought: say it to my face. I find it very disappointing,” Verstappen said according to Erik van Haren from de Telegraaf. Subsequently, this conflict propelled rumors of Max Verstappen backing his father and leaving Red Bull. However, Horner cheekily countered the buzz with a comment targeted to mock Jos Verstappen. He said:
“If Mercedes wants to have a Verstappen in the car next year, then Jos might be available.“
Overall, there is absolute silence in the Verstappen camp, and at the same time, Toto Wolff is looking all the more confident in winning Red Bull’s prized possession, Max Verstappen. Hence, could this bizarre Jos-Horner saga trigger the 3x champion to move teams? We’ll know soon enough.
Sara Chavan