by Formula One’s crisis-hit Red Bull team insist they remain “united” after Max Verstappen’s father Jos claimed he is “at risk of being torn apart” if Christian Horner remains in his role.
A defiant Horner has said he is “absolutely confident” he will remain Red Bull boss for the rest of the season after leading Verstappen to a one-two finish from team-mate Sergio Perez in the opening round in Bahrain.
Horner has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks following allegations made against him by a female colleague. Horner has always denied the claims.
But speaking to the Daily Mail after Saturday’s 57-lap race, Verstappen Snr added more fuel to the fire when he said: “There is tension here and he (Horner) is still in condition.
“The team is in danger of being torn apart. He can’t go the way he is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when the person is the cause of the problems.”
Responding to Verstappen Snr’s comments, a Red Bull Racing spokesman told PA news agency on Sunday: “There are no issues here. The team is united and we are focused on racing.”
In another twist, the FIA denied that its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had urged Verstappen to publicly endorse Horner.
Ben Sulayem’s request reportedly came after the three-time world champion stopped giving his boss full support.
But an FIA spokesman told the PA news agency on Sunday night: “It was an informal chat after qualifying, which often happens. He (Ben Sulayem) encouraged Max to do what he does best – win. And ignore the politics.”
During an extraordinary week in Bahrain, Red Bull Racing’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, freed Horner following an internal investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
But hundreds of WhatsApp messages, which appear to have been exchanged between Horner and the complainant, were then leaked to the F1 world.
Verstappen Snr, who is not an employee of Red Bull Racing, has been accused in some quarters of trying to oust Horner from his job.
But the 51-year-old father of the three-time Red Bull world champion continued: “That would make no sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”
The apparent division within the all-powerful grid team has even led to speculation that Max Verstappen could seek a move away.
Toto Wolff and Verstappen Snr spoke in the paddock and the Mercedes team principal – looking for a replacement for Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton – did not rule out a move for the Dutch driver when asked if he was on his radar for next year.
Wolff said simply: “The driver will always choose the fastest car. That’s basically what it’s all about.”
Horner joined his wife Geri in the paddock an hour and 45 minutes before Saturday’s race.
Red Bull’s majority shareholder, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, also joined the duo on the team platform in a public show of support for Horner.
Speaking after the checkered flag fell, Horner was asked if he is confident he will remain Red Bull team principal for the rest of the season. He replied: “Indeed. Indeed.”
He continued: “I have the support of an incredible family, an incredible wife, an incredible team and everyone in that team.
“And my focus is to keep racing, winning races, and doing my best.
“It was a day to start the season in the best possible way. I focus on this team, my family, my wife and racing.”
Horner was also questioned about the leaked Google file that was sent from an anonymous email account to 149 members of the F1 paddock – including Ben Sulayem, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and nine other grid team principals, as well as members of the media.
“I’m not going to comment on anonymous speculative messages from an unknown source,” Horner said. “I’m not going to comment on the reasons someone might have for doing this.
“Obviously, it wasn’t pleasant with some of the unwanted attention, but there’s a lot of focus on the cars and focus on what’s happening on the track and the result (on Saturday) shows where the focus is and we move. forward.
“There was a lengthy internal process that was completed by an independent KC and the complaint that was raised was dismissed. End of. Carry on.”
Horner is set to be back in the spotlight on Thursday when the cars hit the track in practice for the next round in Saudi Arabia.
Verstappen Snr is understood to be in Saudi Arabia for this week’s race.
