Jos Verstappen has launched a fresh attack on Christian Horner after he was cleared of any wrongdoing following allegations of misconduct by a Red Bull employee. Max Verstappen’s father also spoke of how he ‘sympathises’ with the accuser as the saga continues to grow.
Team principal Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a now-suspended female Red Bull earlier this year but he has since been cleared of the allegation. However, a series of WhatsApp messages being sent to numerous F1 figures and media outlets means that saga remains a significant issue for the team.
Jos Verstappen has weighed in on the situation previously and called for Horner to step down from his position due to the controversy that he is causing, and he has spoken out against the 50-year-old once more.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Verstappen Sr gave the employee his backing, saying: “I sympathise with the woman, with all that she went through, but we will see what happens.”
Asked about how he sees the situation panning out for the Red Bull employee, who has remained unidentified, Verstappen Sr said: “Red Bull seem to know what they are doing with her, we will see. But I think it is for her to come out and see what happens. I’m not fully up to speed with what is happening with her, but all these things that are going on are having an influence on Max.
“He was third in the first practice, and all we hear about is Horner and what happened with his situation. In the press conference Horner gave the other day it was all about him and his problems when we should be talking about Max, the car, his performance and the race. I’ve already said I think it is causing problems if he stays.”
Horner called for a ‘line to be drawn’ under the situation ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend, but Verstappen Sr does not believe that that is possible. However, he did concede that the team principal is unlikely to step down despite his recent pleas.
“I think it’s a bit too late for that now,” the 52-year-old continued. “If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible. I don’t want to talk too much more as it will create problems. But the most important thing for me is that Max is happy, that’s what counts for me, I just want him to be happy.” Red Bull will be keen to ensure that their off-track issues do not disrupt their upcoming performances, with three-time champions Verstappen hoping to lay down a marker at the Saudi GP in Jeddah this weekend.
