Christian Horner hits back after Max Verstappen's dad reignites feud with Red Bull boss

Jos Verstappen has reignited his feud with Christian Horner (Photo: Getty)

Max Verstappen’s father Jos and Christian Horner have reignited their feudmonths after the scandal involving the Red Bull Formula 1 team.

Red Bull team principal Horner and Verstappen snr. clashed several times at the beginning of the new season after the former was investigated over allegations of ‘inappropriate and controlling behaviour’ by a female employee.

Horner, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was cleared of any wrongdoing though the claimant has appealed the outcome of the investigation.

At the time, Jos shockingly called for the 50-year-old to be sacked and later suggested that if Horner stayed in charge his son would be forced to leave the F1 champions.

The pair was also filmed having a heated exchange at the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Over the months the turmoil had calmed down, but on the Friday of the Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bulls’s home race, former F1 star Jos hit out at Horner, claiming he had blocked him from taking part in the team’s upcoming legends parade.

It is reported the 52-year-old was due to drive around the Red Bull Ring in a classic F1 car alongside the likes of Emerson Fittipaldi, David Coulthard and Johnny Herbert.

Christian Horner has refuted Verstappen’s allegations (Photo: Getty)

‘In the past few days I’ve heard from several sides that Christian Horner did everything he could to not let me drive and otherwise to make sure that nothing would be filmed,’ Verstappen Snr told De Telegraaf.

‘Then I think, “say it to my face”. It doesn’t have to be this way for me, I find it very disappointing.’

He later added, via Formule1.NL: ‘How childish can you be. There was going to be filming, for example also with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed.

The legends parade sees past F1 stars drive round the Red Bull Ring in iconic racing cars (Photo: Getty)

‘I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a kindergarten here.

‘I would have been allowed to ride in the end, but I backed out. I find this so childish of Horner, but I think it says something about him.’

Red Bull have denied that Jos was prevented from taking part, with Horner himself refuting the claims in a press conference, saying: ‘I’ve been made aware [of the allegations].

Jos claimed son Max Verstappen would leave Red Bull over the Horner scandal (Photo: Getty)

‘The legends parade is something that is organised by the circuit. There was no veto from my side or anything like that and I’m sure the legends will be in action later.

‘I have never had any problems with drivers or drivers’ fathers in the past. I have no reaction to Jos’ issues.’

Jos’ previous comments led to speculation that Max could join Mercedes despite having driven for Red Bull his entire career, winning the last three titles, with his lead in the 2024 championship at 69 points after 10 races.

On Thursday, the Dutchman defiantly reiterated his commitment to Red Bull, with whom he has a contract with until 2028, with Horner using this to throw shade at Mercedes and seemingly Jos.

‘I always thought Max was pretty resolute in what he said in his conference yesterday. He’s always been absolutely consistent with that, with the team,’ he added.

‘Of course if he [Mercedes boss Toto Wolff] does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available.’

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