Horner bites back after question on Jos Verstappen: 'Focus is on Max'
- Cas van de Kleut
It seems the relationship between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner has been ruined. Earlier in the season, Verstappen Sr. did not speak positively about Red Bull Racing's team boss. This was followed up in Austria. Horner does not want to say too much about his relationship with Max Verstappen's father.
It started when rumours emerged of alleged inappropriate behaviour by Horner. Jos then suggested that it would be better for the team if the team boss stepped down. In Austria, the chaos resurfaced after Verstappen Sr. said that Horner would have done everything possible to keep him out of action during the Legends Parade at the Red Bull Ring.
When Horner was asked whether it is not also important as a team boss to have a good relationship with the father of one of your drivers, he replied, "My interest is in the performance of the team. We have a wonderful team. We've got great drivers. And in Max, we've got the best driver in the world. And he came to our team as a young man. And he's grown and grown in stature."
He continued: "We've enjoyed tremendous success. Despite the distractions of this year, we've still won 70% of the races. Including two sprint races and seven poles.
We lead both world championships. So, yeah, you know, you can't control everything in life. I can't control relationships with drivers' fathers. But my focus is on the performance of our drivers, and the performance of our team. And that's where we'll remain."
Horner won't answer question about Jos Verstappen
When Horner was then asked where things went wrong between him and Jos, he responded, "Look, I don't think it's really helpful to continue talking on the topic of Jos. I think our focus is very much on Max. He's our driver. He's who we have a contract with and who we're focused on trying to win this Grand Prix with."