F1 News: Jos Verstappen Fires Warning To Christian Horner - Red Bull "Will Explode"
Jos Verstappen has voiced concerns over the stability of Red Bull Racing amid the scrutiny of team principal Christian Horner. The situation has escalated to a point where the team's unity is reportedly at risk, according to Max Verstappen's father.
Key Takeaways:
- Jos Verstappen claims, “There is tension here while he remains in position.
- Despite the controversy, the FIA has not launched its own investigation due to the absence of a formal complaint.
- Red Bull Racing has concluded its independent inquiry into Horner, finding him not guilty of misconduct amidst circulating allegations supported by leaked information.
The controversy centres around Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, following accusations of misconduct from a team member. Despite Horner's vehement denials and the subsequent clearing of his name by an independent investigation commissioned by Red Bull GmbH, alleged leaked messages and claims continue to stir the pot.
During an interview with Daily Mail, Jos Verstappen commented, as quoted by Autosport:
“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.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has publicly voiced his disapproval of the situation. In his statements, Ben Sulayem lamented the overshadowing of the sport's popularity and the excitement of the new season by this controversy, urging a focus on the competition and the joy it brings.
However, Ben Sulayem also noted the FIA's current inaction in terms of launching its own investigation, pointing to the lack of a formal complaint as the primary reason. This has not quelled the concerns within the F1 community, especially following the alleged leaked communications that have added fuel to the fire.
Horner, for his part, has remained steadfast in his refusal to engage with what he describes as "anonymous speculation", reiterating his respect for the investigative process and his commitment to cooperating fully with it. The Red Bull chief has continued with his team principal duties and was seen at the Bahrain Grand Prix with his wife Geri.