Jos Verstappen, former Formula 1 driver and father of current sensation Max Verstappen, has withdrawn from the much-anticipated Legends Parade amid the race weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. Scheduled to showcase his skills ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix in the 2012 RB8, a significant car in Red Bull Racing’s history, Verstappen’s exit has sparked a flurry of speculation and disappointment, especially among the legion of Dutch fans.
The reason for this abrupt decision? Verstappen cites overt interference by Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing. Shared directly by Verstappen in the Austrian paddock, the accusation highlights a simmering conflict. He stated, as quoted by De Telegraaf (translated by Google):
“But in the past few days I’ve heard from several sides that Christian Horner did everything he could to not let me drive. And otherwise to make sure that nothing would be filmed. Then I think: say it to my face. It doesn’t have to be this way for me, I find it very disappointing.”
This revelation not only clouds the event but also resurrects questions about the dynamics within the Red Bull Racing team. Verstappen’s withdrawal and his public airing of grievances suggest deep-seated issues remain unaddressed, potentially affecting team morale and public relations.
Clive Rose
The Legends Parade, set to feature motorsport stalwarts such as Gerhard Berger, David Coulthard, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Johnny Herbert. The absence of Jos Verstappen, particularly in such a contentious manner, will undoubtedly leave many fans feeling the gap.
This only adds fuel to the speculation of previous tensions between Verstappen and Horner after the latter was accused of inappropriate behavior by a female Red Bull Racing employee. Red Bull GMbH launched an independent investigation into the team chief following the accusations, however, he was later exonerated. However, within 24 hours of his clearance, WhatsApp messages were leaked to the press and Formula 1 insiders which were allegedly between Horner and the employee. The employee has since appealed the findings of the investigation and this is now going through the appeal process.
Jos Verstappen previously commented on the reported tensions within Red Bull following the controversy surrounding Horner. He explained in an interview with Daily Mail:
“There is tension here while he remains in position.
“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.”
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.