Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, has launched an astonishing attack on Christian Horner – and claims the Red Bull chief is currently ‘playing the victim’.
Horner was cleared of misconduct by Red Bull in midweek, having already denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Jos Verstappen has accused Christian Horner of ‘playing the victim’ as Red Bull row explodes
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Yet Verstappen’s father has now launched a blistering attack on the Briton and insists he’s ‘playing the victim’ while the chaos continues.
“There is tension here while he remains in position,” he told the Daily Mail.
“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.”
There have previously been suggestions that Horner’s relationship with Jos is ‘badly damaged’, despite the success of the F1 side.
Red Bull have been dominant in recent years and, with Verstappen cruising to victory in the first race of the season in Bahrain, another year of sweeping all before them seems to lie in wait.
The newspaper says Horner’s affiliates believe Jos has ‘orchestrated a campaign to unseat him for the past few weeks’.
Yet that’s something the Dutchman denies, with the 51-year-old saying: “That wouldn’t make sense.
“Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”
Horner was joined by wife Geri Halliwell in the paddock on Saturday as Red Bull laid down a marker for the new season.
And the 50-year-old thanked the Spice Girls icon for her support, admitting it’s been a difficult time for the both of them.
“Obviously it’s not been pleasant. The unwanted attention, but the focus is now very much on the cars,” he said.
“My focus has very much been on what’s going on on track and the result today I think demonstrates where the whole team’s focus is and we move onwards.”
When asked if the saga was over, and that lines could be drawn, he added: “My focus is on racing. What people choose to write is up to them.
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Christian Horner and Max Verstappen celebrates together after Red Bull laid down a marker at the Bahrain Grand Prix
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“But my focus coming out of this weekend is on the next race in seven days time in Saudi Arabia.
“I’m not going to comment on what motives, whatever person may have for doing this,” he continued.
“My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and going racing.
“I have the support of an incredible family, of an incredible wife, of an incredible team and everybody within that team and my focus is on going racing and winning races and doing the best that I can.”
Horner also proceeded to say the matter, in his eyes, was over.
Christian Horner was joined by Geri Halliwell in Bahrain with the Red Bull chief insisting the matter is closed
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“There was a full, lengthy internal process that was completed by an independent KC.
“And the grievance that was raised was dismissed. End of. Move on.”
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