Max Verstappen says the recent public spat between his father Jose and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was „good” and „could have been avoided”.
Following clashes between the pair earlier this year, which erupted at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen Snr said Horner effectively prevented him from taking part in the Legends Parade ahead of Sunday’s race.
After Verstappen snarled telegram He found Horner’s actions „extremely disappointing”, Britain responded on Friday, insisting there was no „veto” from him.
After delivering another superb drive to extend his lead at the top of the world championship by winning Saturday’s sprint in Austria, Verstappen was once again left to answer questions about the relationship between his father and team boss.
„Naturally, of course it’s not good. Not for me, not for my dad, not for Christian, not for the team,” he said.
Sprint highlights from the Austrian Grand Prix.
„Of course you don’t want these things to happen. My dad has been very clear about the reasoning behind it and I can certainly understand his point of view on that.
„Because at the end of the day, he asked to drive the car and found out he didn’t want to drive the car. My dad didn’t really care about driving the car, but he asked, 'Please do it.’ Dutch fans?’ We have a good relationship with Red Bull, the home track.
„On the other hand, I’m here to focus on the performance side of things, so I want a good relationship with everyone. But of course, this situation could have been avoided.”
What caused the latest Verstappen-Horner spat?
Verstappen Snr had been scheduled to drive Sebastian Vettel’s 2012 title-winning Red Bull in a pre-race rally, but the Dutchman said he pulled out because of Horner’s interference.
Max’s father, in quotes attributed to him telegramSaid: „In recent days I have heard from several sources that Christian Horner has done everything to not let me drive. Otherwise to make sure that nothing will be filmed. Then I think: say it to my face. This is not necessary for me, I feel very disappointed.”
Asked for his response to those claims, Horner said: „The Legends Parade is something organized by the circuit.
Mercedes’ Toto Wolff hints at a move for Max Verstappen and Red Bull boss Christian Horner has joked he’ll let his father Jose switch to the Silver Arrows!
„There’s no veto from my side, I’m sure the legends will act later.”
The relationship between Horner and the father of F1’s world champion driver has been in the spotlight since the start of the season, with Jose Verstappen saying the Red Bull team was „in danger of being torn apart” if he was in charge. .
After the conclusion of the Red Bull GmbH investigation, allegations of inappropriate behavior were made against Horner by a female colleague. The complaint against Horner, who has always denied the claims, was dismissed. The complainant subsequently appealed against the decision.
Max Verstappen somehow held off a charging Lando Norris to retain the lead in the early stages of the sprint.
On the state of his relationship with Jose, Horner added: „You can’t control everything in life. I can’t control the relationship with the drivers’ fathers. My focus is on the performance with the drivers and the team. That will be there.
„I’ve never had a problem with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past, and whatever Jose’s problems are, I have nothing to comment on.”
Live Austrian GP schedule from Sky Sports F1
Saturday 29 June
2pm: Austrian GP qualifying build-up
3pm: Austrian GP Qualifiers
5.00 pm: Dead qualification notebook
Sunday, June 30
7.25am: F3 feature race
8.55am: F2 feature race
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP Build-up*
2pm: Austrian Grand Prix*
4pm: Checked flag: Austrian GP reaction*
5pm: Dead Notebook
* Sky Sports also live on the main event
F1’s triple-header continues with Red Bull’s sprint form at the Austrian Grand Prix. You can watch every session of the big race on Sunday at 2pm live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more now with Sports Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime