Max Verstappen’s dad reignites Christian Horner feud as he makes shock ‘sabotage’ claims against Red Bull F1 chief

CHRISTIAN HORNER and Jos Verstappen reignited their bitter feud yesterday.

Red Bull’s boss and the dad of Max Verstappen, 26, were at war again over Jos claiming Horner sabotaged his plans to drive in this weekend’s Legends Parade.

Livid Jos slammed “childish” Horner saying he is “completely done” with him as he attended his first race since Monaco over a month ago.

Horner claimed he did NOT block the plans, with Jos due to drive the RB8 in a show lap of several historic cars at the Red Bull ring tomorrow.

The duo first locked horns in a fiery season opener in Bahrain after a female colleague of Horner made a complaint against him of inappropriate behaviour.

But 50-year-old Horner, who denied the accusations, was cleared of the allegations after a private independent investigation.

In Bahrain, Jos said the team would “explode” if he remained in charge and could be “torn apart”. And it seems yesterday’s drama was the last straw.

He said: “Over the past few days I have heard from several quarters that Horner has done everything he can to make sure I don’t drive.

“And to make sure that nothing would be filmed. I think, ‘say it to my face’. This way it doesn’t have to be for me, I find it very disappointing.

“How childish can you be? There was going to be filming, also with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed.

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

“I would have been allowed to drive in the end but I backed out. I find this so childish of Horner but I think it says something about him.”

The woman who made accusations about Horner’s behaviour was suspended and is set to appeal against Red Bull’s decision to dismiss her complaint.

In March, Horner said it was “time to draw a line under” the controversy.

Yesterday, he said: “The Legends Parade is something that is organised by the circuit. There was no veto from my side. I’m sure the Legends will be in action later.

“The relationship with Max has always been very strong. He’s a key part of our team. He’s our driver, he’s the one that is important to have a strong relationship with.

“I’ve never had an issue with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past. Whatever Jos’ issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on.”

Tensions have been bubbling since Thursday after Verstappen confirmed for the first time with a “yes” that he would be driving for Red Bull next year.

Verstappen, who has a contract until 2028, has been linked with Mercedes given Lewis Hamilton sealed a shock move to Ferrari next year.

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After Verstappen’s comments, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “I don’t think he clearly said yes.”

Horner fired back at Wolff yesterday and said: “I thought Max was pretty resolute in what he said in this conference. He’s always been absolutely consistent in that with the team.

“With Toto I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction. If he does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available!”

And Horner took further aim at Mercedes and Hamilton by saying: “The driver who has created all the movement in the market [Hamilton] had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulation, and chose to leave Mercedes.”

Verstappen blocked out the noise to take pole in the sprint qualifying at the Austrian GP.

Horner added: “Despite the distractions, we’ve won 70 per cent of races, including two sprints and seven poles and lead both world championships.

“I can’t control relationships with drivers’ fathers. But my focus is on our drivers and team.”

Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk