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Red Bull boss Christian Horner says he is “certain” Max Verstappen will remain with the team until the end of his contract, after agreeing “to move on” following a public dispute with the world champion’s father, Jos Verstappen.
The former F1 driver said at last weekend’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix that the team was “in danger of being torn apart” if Horner remained in his role.
Jos Verstappen’s comments came after allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against Horner by a female colleague had been dismissed following an investigation launched by the F1 team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH.
Horner, who denied the allegations throughout the external investigation, came under renewed pressure in Bahrain when material purporting to be the alleged evidence in the investigation into his conduct was leaked to numerous media organisations and F1 team principals from an anonymous email account.
The fallout from Jos Verstappen’s comments saw his son, who began his quest for a fourth successive drivers’ title with a dominant win in Bahrain, linked with a move to Mercedes before his contract expires in 2028.
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Horner was spotted talking to Jos Verstappen in the paddock at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Footage courtesy of Sky Italy
“I spoke to Jos following the grand prix, and obviously congratulated him on his son’s performance,” Horner said in a press conference ahead of Saturday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, at which Jos Verstappen is not present.
“And I think it’s in everybody’s interest, collectively, that we’ve agreed to move on, to focus on the future,”
“We both have a vested interest in his son, to get the best and provide the best cars for him and to get the best out of him, and he’s started the season in the best possible way.
“He’s an outstanding talent and hopefully we can continue to provide him with a very competitive car.”
Verstappen said on Wednesday that while he intends to see out his contract with the team, he couldn’t completely rule out a future switch to Mercedes.
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Max Verstappen responds after being questioned on his future and whether he sees himself staying at Red Bull
Asked if he expects Verstappen to remain with Red Bull until 2028, Horner said: “I’m certain that he will. I mean, he’s got a great team around him, he’s got great faith in that team, and we’ve achieved an awful lot together.
“He’s committed to an agreement until 2028, and from a team side, from Max’s side, we’re determined to build on the success that we’ve that we’ve achieved already.”
The Red Bull employee that raised the grievance, who according to the PA news agency has been suspended by the team, retains the right to appeal the decision to dismiss her complaint.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s live Saudi Arabian GP schedule
Friday March 8
- 11.55am: F1 Academy Race 1
- 1.10pm: Saudi Arabian GP Practice Three (session starts at 1.30pm)
- 3.05pm: F2 Sprint Race
- 4.10pm: Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying build-up
- 5pm: SAUDI ARABIAN GP QUALIFYING
Saturday March 9
- 12pm: F1 Academy Race 2
- 1.20pm: F2 Feature Race
- 3.30pm: Saudi Arabian GP build-up: Grand Prix Saturday
- 5pm: THE SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX
- 7pm: Saudi Arabian GP reaction: Chequered flag
- 9.30pm: Saudi Arabian GP highlights
Watch the second round of the new F1 season – the Saudi Arabian GP – live on Sky Sports F1 this coming week, with qualifying on Friday and the race at 5pm on Saturday. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership for just £21 a month for 12 months
Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight showdown with Francis Ngannou takes place on Friday March 8, live on Sky Sports Box Office with the main event expected around 11pm. Book Joshua v Ngannou now!
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