Max Verstappen‘s possible exit to Mercedes is a topic that is more alive than ever and at the official FIA press conference the Dutchman was asked up to four times if he would leave Red Bull.
The rumors started at the beginning of the season with the ‘mess’ within the Austrian team, but it continues to this day.
It seems that there are several sides and today, Jos Verstappen, father of the three-time world champion and former F1 driver has made some harsh statements against Red Bull‘s Team Principal Christian Horner.
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“In recent days, I have heard from several sides that Christian Horner has done everything to not let me drive. And otherwise to make sure that nothing would be filmed,” Jos Verstappen said.
“Then I think, ‘Say it in my face’. This way, it doesn’t have to be for me, I find it very disappointing.”
All because he was supposed to drive in the RB8 at a Red Bull Legends event and in the end he didn’t, although Christian claims it’s not his doing.
Verstappen also branded Horner “childish” in an interview with Formule1.nl, saying: “How childish can you be?
“There was going to be filming, also with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed. I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a playground 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.”
Christian Horner won’t keep quiet
Christian Horner is known for never shutting up about anything, and he has been keen to stick his chest out as well.
“The relationship with Max is good and strong. I have never had any problems with any driver’s father in the past. Whatever Jos‘s problems are, I have nothing to comment on,” he said.
“I thought Max was pretty resolute in what he said in this conference yesterday. He’s always been absolutely consistent with that with the team. So, yeah, why Toto? I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction.
“Of course, if he does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available.”
Mercedes looks set to be one of the teams that will be much improved in 2026, but Wolff doesn’t want to wait and Verstappen is his priority even for next season, with young Antonelli playing second fiddle.