Jos Verstappen accuses Christian Horner of repeatedly ‘glossing over’ serious Red Bull issue

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Christian Horner has been involved in a feud with Jos Verstappen, the father of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, over the course of the season. And it will only intensify doubts over the world champion’s future.

Horner’s team have furnished Verstappen with the tools to become a three-time world champion by the age of 27. In last year’s RB19, he won 19 out of 22 races, setting a new Formula 1 record.

Even this season, amid the tumult at Milton Keynes, the Dutchman remains on course for the title. He leads Lando Norris by 52 points heading into the final six races (and three Sprints).

But there is clear concern in the Verstappen camp at the team’s direction of travel. They started the year with seven wins from 10, enabling him to build a commanding lead, but are now enduring an eight-race drought after numerous missteps in the development race.

Verstappen Sr has been publicly at odds with Horner since the start of the season but there was a notable flashpoint at the Austrian GP. The former was seen visiting the Mercedes hospitality unit after the Red Bull boss allegedly prevented him from driving Sebastian Vettel’s RB8 in the Legends’ Parade.

Mercedes and Aston Martin are the two leading suitors for the title holder. Crucially, Verstappen can activate an exit clause in his contract next year ahead of the 2026 regulation changes.

Jos Verstappen unhappy with Christian Horner over Jonathan Wheatley and Adrian Newey exits

Verstappen warned that Red Bull would ‘fall apart’ earlier in the season after legendary designer Adrian Newey handed in his resignation. There has been a clear downward trend in Red Bull’s performances since he stopped being involved with the car, though correlation may not equal causation.

In the months since, Red Bull have also lost sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who will head up the Audi F1 project from next year. Last month, head of strategy Will Courtenay agreed to join chief rivals McLaren.

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Speaking to Motorsport.com, Verstappen Sr suggested that Horner hadn’t properly addressed their exits in the media: “He always glosses over it.”

Horner has said that Red Bull will fill the vacancies with promotions rather than external hires. For instance, Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is set to take on more responsibilities.

What Red Bull ‘must’ do to convince Max Verstappen to stay

The F1 paddock has concerns about Red Bull, with ‘increasing doubts’ around their 2025 prospects. They already look set to surrender the constructors’ championship to McLaren and they could feasibly lose second to Ferrari as well.

Naturally, Verstappen’s biggest concern is the performance of the car. He has repeatedly complained about its handling during the team’s ongoing drought.

Red Bull need to win again to keep Verstappen, who’s particularly concerned about their relative lack of straight-line speed. A meek end to 2024 could see him trigger his exit clause next year, even if he wins the title.

His talent is such that virtually every team on the grid would make room for him. Mercedes could axe either George Russell or Kimi Antonelli, while Aston Martin would have to part with two-time world champion Fernando Alonso or Lawrence Stroll’s son Lance.