Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has described Mercedes’ public efforts to recruit Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen as a “diversionary tactic.”
“You have to ask yourself what the motives behind this are,” Horner said at a press conference on the sidelines of the Austrian Grand Prix: “The question for them is who will fill this gap, but it is certainly not Max Verstappen.” Later, the Briton said with a lot of irony to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff: “If he wants a Verstappen, then Jos is probably available.”
Jos Verstappen is the father of the three-time champion and drove in Formula 1 himself between 1994 and 2003. The 52-year-old’s relationship with Horner is said to be severely strained due to internal disputes. The collaboration with his son Max Verstappen is still flawless. “He is absolutely outstanding. Max always surprises us with the level at which he works,” said Horner, “we have the best driver in the world.”
Verstappen under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028
There has been a heated verbal exchange between Red Bull and Mercedes for months over the Verstappen issue, because the Silver Arrows would like to sign Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s successor. The Dutchman still has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, but there is speculation that he could move next season thanks to an exit clause. Hamilton will drive for Ferrari from 2025.
Verstappen (26) had once again publicly committed to his future at Red Bull on Thursday and said he would continue to drive for the team.