FIA Press Conference: Verstappen’s Future Remains in Doubt
The possibility of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull to join Mercedes has been a topic of discussion all season, and it seems to be an issue that will not go away anytime soon. In the official FIA press conference, Verstappen was asked several times if he would leave the team, with his father, José Verstappen, making some harsh statements about Red Bull’s Team Principal, Christian Horner.
Rumors of Verstappen’s potential departure began at the start of the season, with tensions reportedly rising between Verstappen and Horner. This was further fueled by a recent incident in which Verstappen’s father, a former F1 driver, was allegedly denied the opportunity to drive the RB8 in a Red Bull legends event. Verstappen’s father claimed that Horner was responsible for this decision and even sent him a rather aggressive message.
“The relationship with Max is good and strong,” Horner said in response to the claims, but it seems clear that there is tension between the two parties. “Whatever Jos’s problems are, I have nothing to comment on,” Horner added, suggesting that he is unwilling to engage in a public debate about the matter.
Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has not ruled out the possibility of Verstappen joining the team, even hinting that Verstappen’s father could be available to facilitate a deal. Wolff has also identified young driver Andrea Antonelli as a potential alternative if Verstappen does not become available.
While Verstappen has previously expressed his commitment to Red Bull, his father’s comments suggest that all options are still on the table. It remains to be seen what will happen in the future, but it is clear that the situation is far from resolved.
It is worth noting that Christian Horner has never kept quiet and he wanted to show his chest too.