Tensions flared up once again between Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen after the latter fired shots at the Red Bull team principal ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.
The fresh point of contention brought forward by Verstappen Snr. is his claim that Horner intervened to prevent him from taking part in this weekend’s ‘Legends Parade’.
The celebratory procession at the Red Bull Ring will see former F1 racers Gerhard Berger, David Coulthard, Emerson Fittipaldi and Johnny Herbert take to the track onboard period machinery on Saturday and Sunday.
Jos Verstappen had been earmarked to steer a 2012 Red Bull RB8 around the track. But in an interview with Dutch newspaper The Telegraph, Max Verstappen's father alleged that Horner did everything in his power to keep him off the track and away from the cameras.
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The bad blood between Horner and Verstappen Snr. that emerged earlier this year following the accusations of improper conduct levied upon the former have been well chronicled.
But tensions appeared to have dissipated in the past few months. However, this weekend’s parade spat has thrown some gasoline on the fire.
During Friday’s FIA news conference at the Red Bull Ring, Horner denied vetoing Verstappen’s participation in the 'Legends Parade', stating that it is an event organized by the circuit.
"There was no veto from my side or anything like that," Horner said. "And I’m sure the Legends will be in action later."
However, the media further peppered Horner with questions about his relationship with Jos, but he dodged the blows, emphasizing his “very good, very strong” rapport with Max.
“I’ve never had an issue with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past,” Horner said. “Whatever Jos’s issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on.”
“I don’t think it’s really helpful to continue talking on the topic of Jos,” he added.
“I think our focus is very much on Max. He’s our driver, he’s who we have a contract with, and he’s who we’re focused on trying to win this grand prix with.”
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen gave a clear answer when asked on Thursday about his F1 future with Red Bull, given Mercedes’ continued efforts to lure the three-time world champion to Brackley.
“I have a long contract with the team. I’m very happy where I’m at,” he said.
“And like I said before, we are focusing also already on next year with things that we can implement on the car. So I guess that should say enough for where I’m driving next year.”
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