While the storm seemed to have calmed down, tensions have flared up again at Red Bull between Christian Horner and the Verstappen clan.
Tensions have flared again within the Red Bull team in Austria, highlighting internal differences and growing rivalries.
It all started with the statements of Dr Helmut Marko, who did not hesitate to openly criticize Christian Horner’s plan to reinstate Daniel Ricciardo. Marko claimed that this plan had failed and announced, without consulting anyone, the tenure of Liam Lawson for the 2025 F1 season. This announcement put Peter Bayer, the boss of Racing Bulls, in a delicate position, having to navigate between the different camps within the team.
In the Red Bull Ring paddock, Marko made clear his dissociation from Horner’s politics, isolating himself from the rest of the team during the media day. This physical and ideological distancing raises questions about the team’s unity for the rest of the weekend and beyond.
Controversy surrounding Jos Verstappen
The situation was further complicated when Max Verstappen tried to clarify that he would stay at Red Bull in 2025. A new controversy erupted regarding his father, Jos Verstappen, and his strained relationship with Horner.
The father of the three-time World Champion was due to take part in the Parade of Legends this weekend, driving a 2021 Red Bull RB8. Horner, finding out at the last minute, however had this participation cancelled, provoking the anger of Jos!
Jos Verstappen expressed his disappointment with the decision:
“Over the past few days, I’ve heard from several sources that Christian has done everything he can to stop me from driving, and otherwise, to make sure nothing is filmed. I wish he would have told me say it to your face It’s not necessary for me, I find it very disappointing.” As a result, Jos decided to cancel his participation in the parade.
A conflict still ongoing
The conflict between Horner and the Verstappens, as well as with Marko, therefore seems far from resolved. Recent statements and decisions have reignited tensions, undermining the fragile ceasefire the team was trying to maintain in public.
While Red Bull no longer dominates on the track with McLaren’s return to the forefront, these internal quarrels could well threaten the cohesion and performance of the team in the weeks and months to come.
