Christian Horner responds to the latest media comments from Jos Verstappen, as he calls out Toto Wolff’s ‘distraction tactic’ over Max.
The back and forth between Horner and J Verstappen kick-started over the winter over various topics. It died down after the initial races, with the Dutchman not to be seen at Red Bull garage for any races since the first round in Bahrain.
He has since made his return this weekend in Austria and the media back and forth has kick-started again. Ahead of the grand prix, J Verstappen revealed of alleged pettiness from Horner, to disallow him to take part in the Legends Parade and be filmed.
The Dutchman showed his displeasure and noted about ‘being done’ with the Red Bull boss. It is unclear what actually happened, but Horner has since clarified that he never vetoed anyone, as he tried to steer clear from questions about their relationship.
He kept the line of being in good terms with M Verstappen which is what matters, but did not wish to state much on how the relationship with J Verstappen got strained. He was cheeky in response regarding Wolff wanting to hire the Dutchman.
Instead of Max, who reiterated about his 2025 stance, Horner noted that Jos is available if Wolff wants a Verstappen to drive for Mercedes. The Brit reckons that the Austrian is using ‘distraction tactics’ after Lewis Hamilton decided to leave his team for Ferrari.
Wolff, meanwhile, kept his place when speaking to Sky Germany. “I didn’t even hear him say that,” he said. “It’s just stupid. He’s babbling. There was always contact. We live in the same place and have always got on well. You can be good with your neighbour and he still won’t drive your car.
“The most important thing is that we look at our performance. I believe that if we have a fast car, then fast drivers want to drive with us. Today we were three and a half tenths too slow. That’s why we have to improve, then we’ll also be a good harbour for a Max Verstappen. But we’re not fast enough at the moment.”
At the same time, Dr. Helmut Marko added: “We’ve actually decided to concentrate on the sporting side and have enough problems there to sort that out. But I will say is that it is a private matter between Jos and Christian, and [one] that shouldn’t really take place at all about such trivial matters as a show run.”
Here’s how the media questions were answered by Horner –
Q) I’m sure you’re aware of some reports in the Dutch media claiming that you vetoed Jos Verstappen being filmed during the Legends Parade and Jos’ reaction to it, which was, ‘this is kindergarten, childish, and I am completely done with him’. Now, there’s always two sides to every story. So what’s yours?
Horner: “Look, I’ve been made aware that… The Legends Parade is something that is organised by the circuit. There was no veto from my side or anything like that. And I’m sure the Legends will be in action later.”
Q) Christian, how is your relationship with Jos these days? Because this seems to be a kind of return to the flashpoints we had at the start of the season, with some comments being played out in the press. Is it a good relationship between you? and how’s the relationship with Max as well and beyond that?
Horner: “Well, the relationship with Max has always been very good, very strong. And he’s a key part of our team. And he’s our driver. 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’s issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on.”
Q) I think we all understand now that you have a pretty good relationship to Max, but not so much to Jos. But isn’t it important for you, as a team principal, to have a good relationship to the father of your driver as well? Because we all know how important racing driver dads are for the sons.
Horner: “My interest is in the performance of the team. We have a wonderful team. We’ve got great drivers. And in Max, we’ve got the best driver in the world. And he came to our team as a young man. And he’s grown and grown in stature. He’s grown as a driver and as a human being. And I think the way he conducts himself, the way he works with the team is outstanding. And that is my key interest, and it’s about the performance of the team. It’s about how the team works. And of course, we’ve enjoyed tremendous success. Despite the distractions of this year, we’ve still won 70% of the races, including two Sprint races and seven poles. We lead both World Championships. So yeah, you can’t control everything in life. I can’t control relationships with drivers’ fathers. But my focus is on the performance of our drivers, the performance of our team. And that’s where we’ll remain.”
Q) I’m aware of the fact you’re not willing to talk about your relation with Jos. What would you like to say to all the Dutch fans? Because there are loads of them here who are looking forward to see Jos driving in the RB8.
Horner: “Well, I mean the Dutch fans are some of the best in the world in the following that they have for Max is outstanding and the support and the passion that they have and how well equipped they come to the campsites. They’re phenomenal and it’s great to see tens of thousands of them here and we hope to put on a great display and hopefully Max will be able to do that.”
Q) How did your relationship with Jos change over the years and where did it went wrong?
Horner: “I don’t think it’s really helpful to continue talking on the topic of Jos. 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.”
Q) Max confirmed yesterday that he’s going to remain with the team in 2025. There has been a lot of speculation about that this year. I know you’ll say he’s got a contract until 2028, but is it reassuring for you that he’s actually come out and said that now?
Horner: “It only reaffirms everything that we already know. Max is an important part of our team. He’s had all of his victories and podiums in Red Bull Racing cars, his three world championships so far and he’s a crucial member of the team. He enjoys being part of the team. He’s got a tremendous group around him. And we know what the future looks like. And, you know, obviously a lot of noise has been made about him going elsewhere and sometimes one just thinks that that’s a distraction tactic that’s just thrown in because you have to question what are the motives obviously behind that and the driver that’s created all the movement in the market had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulations and so on and chose to leave and left a vacancy at Mercedes, which is why there has now been obviously a little bit of speculation as to who will fill that seat, but it won’t be Max Verstappen.”
Q) Two questions, actually. Firstly, how did Max’s dad take the news that he’s obviously made yesterday, that he is staying put? And secondly, the Toto element still puzzles me. He keeps saying he’s interested in Max. And he’s even saying now, even with Max coming out and saying, I’m staying, and he’s like, well, is he? He’s not too sure. Why does he keep on saying that? Why do you think?
Horner: “I mean, that’s a question you’d have to ask Toto. I thought Max was pretty resolute in what he said in this conference yesterday. He’s always been absolutely consistent with that with the team. So, yeah, why Toto? I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction. Of course, if he does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available.”
Here’s Max Verstappen on British GP ticket issue
Here’s Toto Wolff on Max Verstappen
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