F1 News: Jos Verstappen admits 'falling out' with Christian Horner in Bahrain

Christian Horner

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Jos Verstappen admits 'falling out' with Horner in Bahrain

Horner has been under increasing pressure in recent days

Chris Deeley Editor

Experienced sports writer covering F1 and other motorsports since 2023

Monday 4 March 2024 09:12

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Jos Verstappen has told the BBC that he had a 'falling out' with Christian Horner in Bahrain, having called for the Red Bull team principal to step aside.

Horner was investigated over allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour' toward a team employee last month, and was cleared of wrongdoing - but an alleged leak of messages purporting to be from the Red Bull chief was sent to more than 100 figures in and around the paddock the day after the investigation closed.

A number of Formula 1 personalities, including Toto Wolff and McLaren boss Zak Brown, have called for further investigation into Horner's situation - this time not one led by his team, and with more transparency.

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Horner insisted throughout the weekend that he intends to continue as team principal, having maintained his innocence throughout the process.

Christian Horner remains mired in controversy despite being cleared of wrongdoing by Red Bull

Reports have suggested that the relationship between Verstappen and Horner have been strained

Verstappen: Things can't go on like this

However, Verstappen - the father of Red Bull's star driver and reigning world champion - has hit out at Horner, warning that the team will 'explode' if he remains in place.

He told the Mail: "There is tension here while he 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."

Verstappen Sr. later clarified to BBC Sport that he spoke to De Telegraaf and the Mail after falling out with Horner at the first race of the season - and that his son Max was aware of the comments but had said nothing about them.

"It cannot continue this way," he added. "The situation is not good for the team and is driving people apart."

Red Bull Christian Horner Toto Wolff Zak Brown Jos Verstappen