Jos Verstappen will not be participating in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend, following recent attention surrounding his remarks about Christian Horner. Initially reported by ESPN, it was speculated that Verstappen would be absent from the upcoming race.
His comments, where he warned about potential internal strife within Red Bull if Horner retained his position as team principal, stirred significant controversy.
Contrary to ESPN’s report, it has come to light that Verstappen’s absence from the race is not directly related to his comments or the ensuing fallout.
Instead, he is committed to participating in the Rallye de Hannut, an event long scheduled on his calendar. Despite this commitment, Verstappen remains a valued guest of Red Bull at Formula 1 races.
While Verstappen strives to attend all of his son Max‘s race weekends, his involvement in rallying in recent years has occasionally led to scheduling conflicts with Formula 1 events. Meanwhile, Horner faced scrutiny over allegations of misconduct, prompting an internal investigation by Red Bull GmbH.
However, this investigation was concluded prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the company’s senior figures and Horner’s wife, Geri, showing support for him at the circuit.
During the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, there were reports of a tense exchange between Horner and Jos Verstappen in the paddock.
Despite the confrontation, Verstappen reportedly expressed regret for his actions. Nevertheless, his interview with the Daily Mail and De Telegraaf, where he discussed the matter, garnered widespread attention across the globe.
Verstappen Sr stated; “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.”
When questioned about whether he was plotting a campaign to remove Horner from his role, he categorically denied it.
He responded: “That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”
Speculation regarding these remarks has sparked improbable theories that Verstappen might be considered by Mercedes as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton next season, despite his existing contract with Red Bull until 2028.
Toto Wolff acknowledged this speculation when questioned about the possibility after the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“I think the driver will always choose the quickest car, that is fundamentally what it’s all about.
“At the moment, Red Bull is the quickest car so that will, in my opinion, always be the priority.”
