Red Bull have been embroiled in scandal for almost three months now with Christian Horner under threat from those who want him gone, such as Max Verstappen’s own father Jos.
Max Verstappen has urged for a resolution to the internal conflict within Red Bull, in order to concentrate on securing his fourth F1 championship.
The Dutchman desires a peaceful existence, aiming to attend each race weekend, secure a victory, and return home without any commotion. However, life at Red Bull has been far from tranquil lately, as Christian Horner finds himself entangled in scandal and defending against internal adversaries.
Although the situation has calmed down in recent weeks, the coworker who accused Horner of misconduct has appealed the decision to dismiss her complaint. Additionally, there remains tension with Jos, Verstappen’s father, who openly demanded Horner’s removal, as well as with advisor Helmut Marko.
Max, the three-time Formula 1 champion, has refrained from getting involved and has expressed no desire to engage in political games. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a serene atmosphere within the team, with everyone directing their attention towards the car’s performance.
Furthermore, he noted that the current environment appears to be more tranquil compared to the start of the season. Following his first world title in 2021, Max signed a lengthy contract with Red Bull for a specific purpose. His sole aspiration is to have a peaceful and harmonious setting. As long as he remains content with the team, there is no justification for him to consider leaving.
Verstappen made his first appearance in the saga during the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. While he didn’t support his father’s demand for Horner’s removal, he did affirm that his father is “not a liar”.
In response to Marko hinting at his uncertain position within the team, the Dutch driver stated that he would depart if his 80-year-old supporter were to depart. Verstappen places his utmost trust in race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase and Marko at Red Bull.
He mentioned that communication with GP primarily occurs through WhatsApp. There is frequent interaction, mainly regarding the car or the simulator. Helmut, however, is not fond of constant texting and prefers phone calls. The conversations don’t necessarily revolve around Formula 1; they can also cover other topics.
Verstappen’s skill was evident when he entered the F1 scene as a young newcomer. His speed was immediately apparent, but he also developed a reputation for being hot-headed, prone to losing his temper quickly and making questionable decisions on the track.
He mentioned that he has become significantly more seasoned and composed nowadays. This transformation, he explained, occurred following his victory in the intense 2021 title battle against Lewis Hamilton, marking his first championship win.
“I believe I have always been quite laid-back, but I feel even more at ease now compared to before. Back when I began at Toro Rosso in Formula 1, I hadn’t really accomplished anything. But now I have. And that definitely brings a sense of tranquility in a certain sense.”
He is aware that life encompasses more than just racing. Verstappen expressed, “While Formula 1 is my primary focus, I also engage in sim racing with Team Redline. However, I believe it is crucial to take breaks and indulge in sightseeing. We had a well-planned itinerary.”
“Following the Melbourne race, we went skiing in Japan and afterwards, we primarily explored Tokyo. It was fascinating to witness various districts of the city. We also visited the beach, not for relaxation, but to discover the surrounding area. Every athlete dedicates themselves to their respective sport. It was refreshing to spend quality time together [with girlfriend Kelly Piquet and her daughter Penny] and remain in the same time zone.”
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