Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen argue ‘unfairly’ against Max Verstapppen

Martin Brundle believes the “petulant” feud between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner is “so unfair” to Max Verstappen as the Red Bull star targets a fourth consecutive F1 title in 2024.

Verstappen will be aiming for his 52nd win in the last 77 races at Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix after taking pole position for Red Bull’s home race at Spielberg.

Martin Brundle talks about the Christian Horner-Jos Verstappen match

Additional reporting by Thomas Maher

The three-time world champion currently holds a 71-point lead over McLaren driver Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings, but his latest title defence came amid a tense situation at Red Bull between his father and Horner.

After an investigation into Horner’s conduct was dismissed in February, Verstappen Sr publicly called on the Red Bull boss to resign the day after the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, accusing Horner of “playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems”.

Although the situation appeared to have calmed down in recent months, tensions have been rekindled in Austria after Verstappen Sr withdrew from a parade of legends at the Red Bull Ring, despite being due to drive Red Bull’s 2012 title-winning car.

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PlanetF1.com understands that Verstappen’s withdrawal came after Horner expressed reservations about the demo, with a block on the release of photographs and video footage from the demo which had reportedly been requested.

Mr Verstappen later told the Dutch publication From Telegraph that he is “completely done” with Horner, calling the team principal’s actions “childish” and comparing the Red Bull team to a “playground.”

Appearing before media, including PlanetF1.com, at Friday’s FIA press conference in Austria, Horner responded: “I’ve never had a problem with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past. And whatever Jos’ issues are, I really have nothing to comment on.

Asked for his view on the situation after winning the sprint race on Saturday, Verstappen Jr called it “not pleasant” and claimed “this scenario could have been avoided”.

Appearing on Sky F1’s coverage of qualifying at the Red Bull Ring, Brundle noted that the standoff between the Red Bull team principal and the star driver’s father “seems petulant and unnecessary” – and said it was “so unfair” on Verstappen as the 26-year-old goes in search of an eighth win of the 2024 F1 season.

Brundle said: “I can’t believe we even have to talk about this, but I think it’s important in some way.

“Blood is thicker than water. Max will always support his father and other key people who have been around him for a very long time.

“It just seems petulant and unnecessary.

“And I think it’s so unfair to Max, actually, to make him answer questions like that when he’s trying to focus on two races this weekend.

“They had so much success together. Every point, every podium, every victory, every world championship that Max has won, it’s with Red Bull.

“The money they raised, because the kid is a racing genius. He won all that and all that money.

“Why do they have to ruin everything with such high-flown stuff?”

Brundle’s latest comments come after casting further doubts over the future of Verstappen, who is heavily linked with a move to Mercedes to replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for F1 2025.

Verstappen, whose current contract with Red Bull runs until the end of the 2028 F1 season, hinted he would remain with the Milton Keynes-based team next season when he took part in the drivers’ press conference in Styria on Thursday.

However, Brundle is convinced “something is happening” and highlighted a potential exit clause in Verstappen’s contract linked to the future of long-time Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.

PlanetF1.com revealed earlier this year that Verstappen’s contract would contain a clause – potentially inserted into his deal without the knowledge of Horner and other senior members of Red Bull’s parent company – allowing him to leave the team if Marko, 81, leaves.

Telling him that things are “clearly sewn up” between Verstappen and Red Bull for F1 2025, Brundle replied: “Well, aren’t they? The plot thickens, doesn’t it?

“It seems that Mercedes-Benz is waiting to see what happens with Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Whether it’s for 2025 or 2026, time will tell.”

“And there is apparently a parallel letter which is an exit clause with Dr Helmut Marko – allegedly, according to the paddock – if Max wanted to leave.

“Christian absolutely says that’s not going to happen and it has to be said that Max has been pretty consistent in saying, ‘I have a long-term contract here, this is where I want to race.’

“And Christian pointed out that Max won every single one of his victories with Red Bull. All the podiums, all the world championships, all three with Red Bull.

“They are currently leading this one quite comfortably. Think for a moment about why you would want to run away from this.

“But something is happening, but it seems like they’re saying he’s not going anywhere for the next year in particular.”

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