Formula 1’s crisis-hit Red Bull team insists they remain “united” after Max Verstappen’s father Jos claimed it would be “in danger of falling apart” if Christian Horner remains in charge.
A defiant Horner said he was “absolutely confident” Verstappen would remain Red Bull boss for the rest of the season after ensuring he edged team-mate Sergio Perez’s one-two lead at the opening round in Bahrain.
Horner has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks following allegations made against him by a female colleague. Horner has always denied the allegations.
However, speaking to the Daily Mail newspaper after the 57-lap race on Saturday, Verstappen Snr fueled the fire further by saying: “There is tension here while he (Horner) remains in place.
“The team is in danger of disintegration. It cannot continue like this. It will explode. He is playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems.”
Responding to Verstappen Snr’s comments, a Red Bull Racing spokesman told the PA news agency on Sunday: “There are no issues here. The team is together and we are focused on the race.”
In another twist, the FIA denied that its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had publicly urged Verstappen to support Horner.
Ben Sulayem’s request reportedly came after the three-time world champion failed to provide full support to his boss.
But an FIA spokesman told the PA news agency on Sunday night: “It was an informal chat that happens a lot after qualifying. He (Ben Sulayem) encouraged Max to do what he does best, which is win. And ignore the politics.”
Horner, who had an outstanding week in Bahrain, was cleared by Red Bull Racing’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, following an internal investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
However, hundreds of WhatsApp messages apparently shared between Horner and the complainant were later leaked to the F1 world.
Verstappen Snr, who is not an employee of Red Bull Racing, is accused by some of trying to oust Horner from his job.
But the 51-year-old father of Red Bull’s three-time world champion continued: “It wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”
The apparent division within the Grid’s all-winning team has even led to speculation that Max Verstappen may want to leave.
Toto Wolff and Verstappen Snr spoke in the paddock and the Mercedes team boss, who is looking for a replacement for Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton, did not rule out a move for the Dutchman when asked if he was on his radar for next year.
Wolff said simply: “The driver will always choose the fastest car. That’s basically the point.”
Horner walked hand in hand with his wife Geri in the paddock an hour and 45 minutes before Saturday’s race.
Red Bull’s majority shareholder, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, also joined the pair on the team’s terrace for a public show of support for Horner.
Speaking after the checkered flag dropped, Horner was asked if he was confident he would remain as Red Bull team principal for the remainder of the season. He replied: “Absolutely. Definitely.”
He continued: “I have the support of an incredible family, an incredible wife, an incredible team and everyone on that team.
“And my focus is on competing, winning races and doing my best.
“It was the best possible start to the season. My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and the races.”
Horner was also questioned about the leaked Google dossier, which was sent from an anonymous email account to 149 members of the F1 paddock – including Ben Sulayem, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and the grid’s nine other team principals, as well as members of the media.
“I will not comment on anonymous speculative messages from an unknown source,” Horner said. “I’m not going to comment on what motivations anyone might have for doing this.
“Obviously some of the unwanted attention wasn’t nice, but the focus is more on the cars and I’m focused on what’s happening on track and the result (on Saturday) shows where our focus is and we’re moving.” forward.
“There was a full and lengthy internal process completed by an independent ROK and the complaint raised was rejected. End. Move on.”
Horner will be back in the spotlight on Thursday when the cars take to the track for the next round in Saudi Arabia.
It is understood Verstappen Snr will be in Saudi Arabia for this week’s race.