Jos Verstappen stands by brutal early season criticism of Horner

Jos Verstappen says he stands by his criticism earlier this year of Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, insisting he has no regrets about his explosive comments expressed during a turbulent phase for the team this season.

Speaking after last March’s season opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen Sr. voiced his frustrations regarding the allegations of improper conduct against Horner that had rocked Red Bull.

At the time, the former F1 driver had warned that the team risked being “torn apart” unless the situation was addressed – suggesting Red Bull would be better off if Horner departed the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

“There is tension here while he remains in position,” Jos said at the time. “The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can't go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”

Although Max Verstappen has gone on to claim his fourth Drivers’ Championship, the Dutchman’s father maintains that his comments were justified and necessary.

• Read also: Jos Verstappen urges Red Bull to ‘get it together’ in 2025

“What the team boss does or does not do, that does influence everything that is going on around the team. And therefore around Max,” Jos told De Telegraaf.

“Of course I get involved in that. I see it all happening and I do think that I am in a position to say something about it.

“If I am put on the spot, then I will give my opinion. I will never harm Max. I look at the overall picture. At the end of the day, I stand by everything I said.”

Overall, the 2024 Formula 1 season has been a success for Red Bull, but it has not been without its challenges. The team saw key figures, including legendary technical officer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, depart, signaling a shift within the organization.

Jos reflected on the team’s evolution, noting a shift in dynamics as Red Bull worked to stabilize its leadership and maintain its competitive edge.

“I do have that feeling,” he said about the team becoming calmer.

“Top advisor Helmut Marko seems to have more power again as well, which I think is a good thing. The team is now growing a bit more together again.”

Still, he admitted that 2024 was not the most enjoyable year for the Verstappen family in terms of their relationship with the team.

“On the sporting side, it was a less enjoyable year with all the things going on surrounding the team,” Jos said. “But it ends with highlights, which is positive.”

Max Verstappen himself expressed concerns about the performance of the Red Bull car earlier in the season, echoing his father’s sentiments.

“At the start of the season, Red Bull still looked very strong, but Max was already saying after a few races that the car was not as good as people thought,” he explained.

“And to what extent all the noise around the team has had an impact on the sporting performance, that's always hard to put a finger on.”

As Red Bull prepares for next season, the pressure to maintain their winning track record remains high. With key personnel changes and increasing competition from rivals like McLaren and Ferrari, the team’s ability to adapt will be under scrutiny.

“There have been a lot of changes within the team,” Jos said. “Some people have new positions. I do feel that the team has to prove itself again and that they have to show that we are still fast. That’s important for us.

“That’s the way Max is in it. The pressure is on and that’s the way it should be. It’s up to the team to show that they have kept the good people and can build a fast car again.”

Despite the drama of 2024, the Verstappen family remains committed to Red Bull for now, with Max determined to stay loyal to the team that has helped him secure his place in Formula 1 history.

For Jos Verstappen, his vocal approach to the team’s dynamics comes from a place of support and determination to see both Red Bull and his son thrive.

As the team looks to rebuild cohesion and face new challenges in 2025, Jos’s message is clear: the pressure is on, and Red Bull must prove its resilience in the face of change.

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