F1 2025: Max Verstappen's father 'angry' after tense interview exchange over Christian Horner

Jos Verstappen, generic, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

Max Verstappen's father 'angry' after tense interview exchange over Christian Horner

The father of reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen was caught in an awkward exchange in Spa

Kerry Violet F1 News Editor

F1 editor and journalist covering motorsport since 2024.

Wednesday 30 July 2025 19:00 Updated: 19:07

A Dutch racing driver has claimed that Max Verstappen's father Jos was 'angry' after a tense exchange over Christian Horner at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Ahead of the race, Red Bull opted to fire Horner as CEO and team principal, with Laurent Mekies taking his place for the first time at Spa last weekend.

Verstappen Sr was present on the track ahead of Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix when he was approached by F1 pundit and ex-Mercedes star Nico Rosberg and grilled on the matter.

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The 2016 world champion boldly questioned Verstappen Sr on his previous comments urging Christian Horner to leave Red Bull last season, but the Dutchman brushed off the question, claiming: "That was a year ago so, it's different, I have nothing to say."

Despite Verstappen Sr's indifferent attitude to Rosberg's questions, racing analyst Bleekemolen has assessed the interaction via the NOS Formula 1 podcast, saying: "If you watch the video footage, you can see that Jos is really angry,"

Rosberg reacts to tense Verstappen moment

Bleekemolen, son of ex-F1 driver Michael Bleekemolen, went on to state that the relationship between the Verstappens and Rosberg was not ideal even before this tense exchange happened in Spa.

"He [Verstappen Sr] actually almost wanted to give him a corner and say, 'Will you shut up!', but he stayed clean and said the right thing,"

"We don't know exactly either, but that they played a role somewhere? Yes, I think so," Bleekemolen concluded.

Rosberg himself addressed the incident in the Sky F1 show following the Belgian GP, addressing a flurry of comments from fans who suggested the former Mercedes star should appear alongside Brundle for the infamous gridwalks more frequently.

The 40-year-old responded to the clip of his interview going viral, saying: "It's nice to see that people appreciated our entertainment, which is what it's all about isn't it, the whole sport that's what it's built on,"

"Not that I do that on purpose, I just try and ask the questions that may be of interest," he admitted.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Christian Horner Jos Verstappen Belgian Grand Prix Nico Rosberg