The opening of the 2024 F1 season was dominated by Red Bull with a one-two like a year ago. But the sporting scene continues to be overshadowed by power struggles against the backdrop of the affair surrounding Christian Horner’s leadership. The comments of Jos Verstappen published tonight by the Daily Mail are a clear warning to the company’s owners, who have so far supported the team principal: “The team risks being divided. It can’t go on like this. It will explode. He plays the victim when he himself causes the problems“.’ A broadside that leaves no doubt about the Verstappens’ thoughts, and which risks becoming a boulder rolling down an ever larger mountain. New important pressure comes on Christian Hornerwho yesterday in the paddock was joined by his wife Geri – as well as by the Thai family that owns 51% of the Red Bull shares – with a dramatic gesture of great support.
Jos Verstappen – Christian Horner: it’s a total clash! Red Bull divided in two in a borderless power struggle
However, Jos Verstappen’s statement leaves no doubt, and comes after an anonymous and petty file about the internal investigation involving an employee and alleged inappropriate behavior by Horner was sent to journalists, the FIA and Stefano Domenicali. This exit from Verstappen indicates that the team is in an extremely difficult situation, perhaps no longer sustainable. Not even successive victories could be enough to cover the turmoil further. The power struggle between the Austro-Dutch and Horner-Thai factions has beguna.
01 March 2024, Bahrain, Sakhir: Motorsport: Formula 1 World Championship, Bahrain Grand Prix, 3rd free practice. Team Principal Christian Horner (l) from Team Oracle Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen from the Netherlands from Team Oracle Red Bull talk in the pits. Photo: Hasan Bratic/dpa (Photo by Hasan Bratic/picture alliance via Getty Images)
A warning therefore, from a very relevant part of the team, that of the world champion driverwho so far has always dribbled away any comments on the issue which could be increasingly complex to avoid every day. The same former Benetton driver was seen in talks with what until 2021 was considered a bitter enemy like Toto Wolffwhile ironically his former team principal at the time Flavio Briatore discussing on the other side of the pitch, hosted by Horner himselfperhaps to check out any Red Bull options for Fernando Alonso?
There are many ways to apply pressure in F1, especially in a situation that has so far remained stalemate. Jos’ finally clearer attitude puts the discussion and media attention on a different level than the investigations, suggesting deep discontent and a clear rift in the Milton Keynes team. It’s difficult to make predictions, on the one hand even large partners like Ford cannot help but be alarmed from potential image damage or the potential threat of losing Max Verstappen. The consequences can be significant. On the other hand, the majority shareholders, the Chaleo Yoovidhya family, who do not seem willing to give up total control of decisions by abandoning Horner after Mateschitz’s death.
Author: Giuliano Duchess
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