Christian Horner and Max Verstappen’s father Jos were seen on television in an animated conversation at the Bahrain Grand Prix, and rumors were circulating on the internet as to why the two F1 giants appeared to be rowing.
The feuding men were seen having a vocal argument yesterday after Mail Sport reported they had a heated row after qualifying on Friday night.
Jos, who was also seen speaking to Ferrari boss Toto Wolff last night, has insisted Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remains as team principal after messages and images were leaked that the Red Bull team principal He sent an employee. He says Christian is playing the victim.
What Christian and Jos were discussing in a team trailer remains a secret, although Horner was clearly agitated and was seen pointing outside and waving his hand. José had his hands in his pockets.
The footage has sparked widespread speculation online about what the seemingly passionate conversation entailed. Many believe it is an indication that Max Verstappen could try to force a move to Ferrari and join Lewis Hamilton if Horner keeps his £8million-a-year job. There will also be an empty seat at Mercedes when Lewis leaves at the end of 2024.
Others have suggested that Jos could have been defending the employee or telling Christian that he should fall on his sword.
His son, the Dutch maestro Max, refused four times in press conferences last weekend to offer Horner unconditional support. Insiders have said he is believed to generally support his father’s position.
Horner was cleared last Wednesday of “coercive behaviour” towards the woman following an investigation. His wife, Geri Halliwell, flew to Bahrain to be with him and even kiss him on camera in an extraordinary show of support for her husband, who is under fire.
Christian Horner was seen having a lively discussion with Max Verstappen’s father Jos in the Red Bull motorhome during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
Both Verstappen and Horner were seen waving their arms during their closed-door discussion.
Jos (right) told Mail Sport that Red Bull would ‘explode’ if Horner kept his leading role in the team.
Horner, the husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, is facing more criticism after screenshots of a text conversation allegedly between the 50-year-old and the employee making allegations were leaked via an anonymous email. of “coercive behavior” against them.
However, screenshots of a text conversation allegedly between Horner, 50, and the employee who made the allegations were leaked via an anonymous email.
The email was sent to prominent F1 figures and contained 79 documents that included some messages of a sexual nature.
Pressure continues to mount on the embattled team principal’s future ahead of this weekend’s race in Saudi Arabia.
Images captured by Sky Italyshows the pair deep in conversation inside the Red Bull motorhome, with Horner pointing outside and waving his hand.
Verstappen briefly waves his hand, but spends most of the conversation with his hands inside his coat pockets.
ESPN has reported that Jos will not attend the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend following comments he made about Horner.
Mail Sport revealed on Saturday how Michael Schumacher’s former team-mate Jos got into a huge row in Horner’s paddock office after qualifying on Friday night.
Verstappen, 51, walked out of the fiery meeting before returning to the room and reluctantly shaking hands.
According to his affiliates, Horner believes Verstappen Sr. has orchestrated a campaign to overthrow him over the past few weeks, implying that the Dutchman even had something to do with the email leak.
“There is tension here as he (Horner) remains in his position,” Jos exclusively told Mail Sport.
‘The team is in danger of disintegrating. It can’t continue as it is. It will explode. He’s playing the victim, when he’s the one causing the problems.’
Verstappen (right) will not attend the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix due to his comments about Horner
Horner was seen alongside his wife Halliwell as they watched the podium celebrations after Red Bull took a 1-2 victory led by Max Verstappen at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Horner and his wife Geri (left) put on a public show of unity despite their alleged texting scandal.
Horner kissed his wife in full view of the assembled cameras before leaving for the grill.
The Telegraphreported that Verstappen’s father has told friends that his son will leave Red Bull if necessary.
Verstappen Sr was seen speaking to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
Mercedes has an empty seat for the 2025 season, although Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 and currently drives for the dominant team in Formula One.
Jos Verstappen denies the claims, saying: “That wouldn’t make sense.” Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?
Triple world champion Max already looks on course for a fourth consecutive title after dominating the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Red Bull 1-2 against his teammate Sergio Pérez.
Although the team’s performance on the track gave Horner something to smile about, there is still a lot to deal with off the track.
Despite the controversy, Horner is confident of remaining in charge throughout the season.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem reportedly asked Max Verstappen to back Horner in public, although a source said the Dutchman was not convinced by the advice.
Halliwell was on a flight to see her husband before the Bahrain Grand Prix when the messages were leaked. She shared a kiss with Horner in full view of the cameras in a show of solidarity on race day.
The team manager was also seen alongside his wife of almost nine years as they watched the podium celebrations on Saturday.
Halliwell is keep ‘crisis talks’ Horner’s alleged leaked text messages and did not want to meet her husband in Bahrain until her family convinced her, sources said.
Although there has been a show of unity between him and his wife, Horner faces pressure from other directions.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem broke his silence on Friday and told the Financial times that the controversy that has been surrounding Horner is “detrimental to the sport.”t… this is harmful on a human level‘.
Mail Sport previously reported that Ben Sulayem implored Horner’s star driver Verstappen publicly supports Red Bull team director in a chat after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix on Friday.
The triple world champion, who took pole position and won the race in Bahrain, was seen chatting with the biggest figure in motorsport in the parc ferme. Both men hid what they said behind their hands.
But according to a close observer, Ben Sulayem told Verstappen: “You must publicly back Christian.”
Another source said Verstappen was not entirely convinced by the advice. The Dutchman was ambiguous when asked about Horner in the subsequent press conference.
After the victory, Horner said: “I’m not going to comment on the motives anyone might have for doing this.”
When asked if he would be in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for next weekend’s race and the entire season, he said: “Absolutely.” “I’ve always had confidence that I’ll be here.”
And he added: “I am not going to comment on what motives each person may have.” My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and competing and winning races.”
When asked if he was confident of staying in his position for the entire season, he said: “Absolutely. 100 percent.
‘There was a very lengthy internal process that was completed by independent quality control. The grievance raised was dismissed. End of. Move on. “I have always had complete confidence that I will be here.”