© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Amid speculation over Max Verstappen’s possible switch to Mercedes, his father Jos says “it’s like a kindergarten” at Red Bull.
Max Verstappen’s father Jos was set to drive the 2012 Red Bull RB8 during the Legends Parade at the Red Bull Ring this weekend, however he claims that he has pulled out of the event, after Red Bull team boss Christian Horner tried to have him removed.
This comes after reports that came out earlier this year, saying that there are two opposing camps at the team right now, one close to the Verstappens and the team’s advisor Dr Helmut Marko, and the other close to Horner.
“How childish can you be,” Jos Verstappen told Formule1.nl regarding his withdrawal from the event.
“There was going to be filming, for example also with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed.
“I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a kindergarten here. I would have been allowed to ride in the end, but I backed out.
“I find this so childish of Horner, but I think it says something about him,” the Dutchman concluded.
This comes also amid Mercedes’ obvious interest in having Max join the team in 2025. Max, however, said ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, that he will remain at Red Bull next year.
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“I don’t think that’s how Formula 1 works, where suddenly you can say: ‘Well, bye, guys,’” Max said.
“It’s not how it works. I have a long contract with the team. I’m very happy where I am. And we’re already focusing on next year with things we can implement on the car.
I guess that should say enough of where I’m driving next year.”
Asked to give a simple yes or no answer on whether he will be driving for Red Bull in 2025, the Dutch driver said:
“You didn’t get that out of my answer before? Ok then – yes.
“But that’s what I already said. I think when you say we’re already working on next year’s car and very focused on that, that means you’re driving for the team still,” Verstappen concluded.
When this was put to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, the Austrian said he was not sure that Max actually gave a definite answer.
“Did he really say that?” Wolff responded to OE24.
“I don’t think he clearly said yes. But I was not there.”
Toto added Mercedes is currently focusing on its performance because that is the thing that will attract drivers to the team.
“As I keep saying, we will keep our empty seat open as long as possible. The most important thing is to make our car faster. If the car is fast, fast drivers will also want to drive for us.”
As for Max, Toto said he is currently the best driver on the grid, and Mercedes is obviously interested in his services.
“I admire his achievements and as a person I got to know him as an exceptional young man.
“I have often said it lately: Max is the best driver at the moment and anyone who gets the chance would want Max in his car.
“Ola [Källenius, Mercedes chairman and CEO] sees it the same way,” Wolff concluded.
