Jos Verstappen’s Absence at Saudi GP Sparks Controversy Amid Red Bull Tensions

Jos Verstappen, father of F1 star Max Verstappen, has decided not to attend the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following his controversial comments about Red Bull’s Christian Horner. This move adds a new twist to the ongoing tensions within the Red Bull Racing team.

Key Takeaways:

• Jos Verstappen’s Decision: Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, will not be present at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, stemming from his critical remarks about Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner.
• Leaked Emails and Investigation: Despite Christian Horner being cleared by an independent investigation, leaked emails have kept the controversy alive, drawing attention to the need for transparency in the F1 world.
• Internal Strife at Red Bull: The argument between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner, and reports of a meeting with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, highlight the ongoing internal tensions within the Red Bull team.

The Formula 1 community is abuzz with the recent development involving Jos Verstappen, father of reigning champion Max Verstappen, and his decision to skip the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This move comes in the wake of his openly critical comments about Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, which were reportedly related to a controversy involving Horner and a female co-worker.

Although an independent investigation exonerated Horner, the release of certain emails to key F1 personnel, including Jos, has kept the matter under scrutiny. The emails reportedly contain information that could be relevant to the case, suggesting there’s more to the story than what has been publicly disclosed.

The Formula 1 community, including team principals and pundits like Martin Brundle of Sky Sports, has called for more transparency in this matter. Brundle, along with others, believes that this controversy is far from over, especially given the tense atmosphere it has created within the Red Bull team.

Jos Verstappen’s comments to the Daily Mail were particularly telling: “There is tension here while [Horner] 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.” These remarks underscore the strained relationship between Jos and Horner, evidenced further by their argument prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Intriguingly, Jos has also indicated to his close associates that his son Max might leave Red Bull if Horner stays on. This, coupled with reports of Jos’s meeting with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, adds layers to the ongoing drama within the Red Bull camp.

Jos Verstappen has been a familiar figure in the F1 paddock, often seen supporting his son. However, the escalating tensions at Red Bull and his recent decision to skip the Jeddah race point to a significant shift in his involvement. While Jos will be absent, the discussions surrounding his actions and their implications for the team, particularly the dynamic between his son and Horner, will likely remain a focal point in the lead-up to the race.

The situation poses a complex challenge for Max Verstappen, as hinted by a report in The Telegraph. He may find himself in a difficult position, having to navigate between the conflicting interests of his father and his team principal. This development, insiders note, is not a sudden eruption but the result of growing discontent within the team.