Turmoil in Austria: Verstappen at centre stage, and it wasn't Max

A pity, because it was another top performance by Max Verstappen. As almost always, the Dutchman remained icily calm and was fastest in the only lap he drove in SQ3. Moreover, the fact that Lando Norris finished number two promised another showdown between the two best drivers of the moment.

But it was not Max, but his father Jos who was the talk of the day. The latter gave several interviews - including to GPblog - in which he indicated he no longer wanted to take part in the Legends Parade because (at least so Jos said) Horner preferred not to have him in the RB8 during the demo. Typical Jos. No doubt there is plenty to like about Verstappen senior, but it is impossible to say he is not sincere.

If the former driver does not feel wanted, he shows it and takes a step back. However annoying he finds that for all the fans who would have loved to see Verstappen doing his laps. "It's for the fans, it should be good. But he is so childish to play that game. Well, if he wants to play that game, he can have it," Verstappen told this site after the Sprint Shootout.

Horner under fire by media

Earlier, Horner had the "misfortune" of being expected to be present in the team press conference this weekend of all nights. At the very first question from the journalists present, he was asked: What did Horner think of Jos Verstappen's words? Horner heard it, clearly irritated about the ensuing hassle, and replied evasively: "I've been made aware that the Legends Parade is something that is organised by the circuit. There was no veto from my side or anything like that. And I'm sure the Legends will be in action later."

Horner had probably hoped that the focus would then shift to other matters, but an equally fascinating and remarkable conversation unfolded between the media and Horner. Time after time, the team boss tried to cut the story short, just as often questions reappeared. About how important the relationship with a driver's father is? Answer: "Never had any problems with it before."

Or how the relationship with Jos Verstappen could have been so derailed? In the end, Horner said, "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."

Verstappen was old-fashioned strong

Whether that will indeed succeed remains to be seen on Sunday. The fact is that Verstappen Jr. again showed his best form at the Red Bull Ring. Or as Jos later put it to GPblog said: "Max was Max again." For the tens of thousands of orange-clad fans in the grandstands of the Austrian circuit, that is a reassuring thought. True, they are not going to see Jos in action, but a win by Max on Saturday in the sprint race and Sunday in the Grand Prix is still what it is all about for them.

This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy