Jos Verstappen has hinted to close associates that Max Verstappen might consider leaving Red Bull due to current tensions within the team according to the Telegraaf.
A recent encounter between Jos Verstappen and Mercedes leader Toto Wolff at the Bahrain Grand Prix has led to suggestions the three-time world champion could secure a move to the Brackley-based team.
Despite this, Toto Wolff has downplayed the significance of their public interaction, there’s growing speculation that Max, the current world champion, is being considered as a potential successor to Lewis Hamilton.
The Telegraph reports that Jos has openly suggested Max’s departure from Red Bull could be on the cards if the controversies surrounding team principal Christian Horner remain unresolved.
Max Verstappen dominated the season-opening race in Bahrain, setting him on a path that could likely lead to his fourth championship title in 2024.
While Red Bull enjoys success on the track, the atmosphere behind the scenes tells a different story. Team principal Horner was recently exonerated following accusations of inappropriate behaviour, but the controversy continues as supposed evidence was disseminated among F1’s accredited media and key figures, though its authenticity has yet to be confirmed.
The current circumstances could have created internal rifts within Red Bull, particularly affecting the relationship between team principal Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen.
On Saturday, Jos explicitly mentioned that there is tension within the team, and he voiced concerns about Red Bull potentially being torn apart due to the ongoing controversy surrounding Horner.
He told the Daily Mail: “There is tension here while he remains in position, the team is in danger of being torn apart.
“It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
He, however, denied suggestions he was behind a campaign to unseat Horner.
“That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?” he said.
“So absolutely, from the performance side of things, you can’t even question that. So that’s what I’m also dealing with.
“I speak to Christian a lot. And also, of course, throughout the weekend here, he’s fully committed to the team.
“He’s also here for the performance, of course. Probably a little bit distracted.
“But like I said before, we just focus on the performance side of things. And that’s how we all work together.”
Jos Verstappen’s remarks, along with his visible interaction with Toto Wolff, have fueled speculation that his son might consider switching teams to join Mercedes. Nonetheless, Wolff has sought to minimize such speculation.
Speaking to F1-Insider, Wolff addressed inquiries regarding his conversation with Jos post-race, stating, “I have known Jos for 25 years – with ups and downs and I simply congratulated him on his son’s achievement. Max is driving in a galaxy of his own.”
When further questioned about the possibility of Verstappen joining Mercedes, Wolff acknowledged, “Everything is possible.”
Additionally, during a press session with the English media in Bahrain, Wolff was asked about the potential of signing Verstappen. He remarked, “A driver will always choose the quickest car, that is fundamentally what it is all about.”
