In an unexpected twist at the Austria’s Legends Parade, former Formula 1 racing driver Jos Verstappen has pulled out from the event. He was initially slated to drive the indomitable Red Bull RB8, a machine of glory that gave Sebastian Vettel his 2012 championship. However, this sudden move has opened a new chapter in the strainful saga between Verstappen and Christian Horner, the Red Bull Racing team boss.
Horner’s questionable stance on the publication of multimedia content from Verstappen’s drive reportedly influenced Verstappen’s decision to withdraw. There’s mounting curiosity about the chilly relationship between the two, especially after Verstappen openly criticized Horner in connection with the internal investigations of Red Bull. This situation casts a cloud of uncertainty over the atmosphere at Red Bull and reignites speculations concerning Max Verstappen’s future with the team.
Unexpected Withdrawal from Legends Parade
In a surprising development, Jos Verstappen has withdrawn from the highly anticipated Legends Parade in Austria. The event, scheduled for this weekend, was expected to feature Verstappen behind the wheel of a famed Red Bull RB8, the vehicle that propelled Sebastian Vettel to his 2012 championship. However, Verstappen senior has decided to abstain from participating.
Behind Verstappen’s Decision
The decision to pull out of the Legends Parade was purely Verstappen’s, who was believed to react to Red Bull Racing team boss, Christian Horner‘s interrogation about the decision with Red Bull’s parent company. Interestingly, Verstappen and Horner’s relationship has been anything but harmonious, particularly after the Dutchman had earlier called for Horner’s job amidst the fallout from the firm’s internal investigation.
Verstappen’s decision was reportedly influenced by Horner’s stance on the publication of photos and videos from his drive. After learning about this, Verstappen chose to withdraw. Verstappen was quoted in Dutch publication De Telegraaf saying, “I heard from several sides that Christian Horner did everything not to let me drive and to ensure that nothing was filmed. If that’s the case, I’d rather it be said to my face. This way, it is very disappointing.”
Speculations on Future Transfers
The re-emergence of tensions between Horner and Verstappen comes just as peace appeared to have been restored between the Red Bull and Verstappen camps. Months of speculation over Max Verstappen’s future has seen Mercedes emerge as a possible destination for the three-time F1 World Champion, despite having a contract with Red Bull until 2028.
While Red Bull appears to be Verstappen’s primary team, Toto Wolff of Mercedes has made it clear that Verstappen is his prime choice to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025. Jos was spotted having a discussion with Mercedes’ driver development advisor Gwen Lagrue and chief communications officer Bradley Lord.
Despite the rumours, Verstappen clearly stated his intentions to stick with Red Bull for the next season. He confirmed, “Yes, we’re already working on next year’s car, and I think when you’re very focused on that, it means you’re also driving for the team.”
A Possible Shift in Tides?
Could Verstappen be considering a switch despite his stated commitment to Red Bull? Austrian broadcaster ORF questioned Wolff on his hopes of bringing Verstappen over. In response, Wolff maintained that the team is keeping the seat open as long as possible and will work on making their car faster.
Wolff expressed his admiration for Verstappen, stating, “Max is the best driver at the moment, and everyone who gets the chance would like to have Max in their car.” Whether Verstappen could still make a move to Mercedes is left to be seen.
The unexpected withdrawal of Jos Verstappen from the Legends Parade at Austria has sparked a new wave of tension within the Red Bull team. It brought one more time to the light the strained relations between Verstappen and Red Bull Racing team boss, Christian Horner. Verstappen’s decision to pull back is reportedly influenced by Horner’s stance on the publication of media content from his drive. This incident has raised more questions about the dynamics of Red Bull team and the future of Max Verstappen within the team.
In spite of Verstappen’s stepping back, the Legends Parade will still see the participation of significant figures, including Gerhard Berger, David Coulthard, Johnny Herbert, and Emerson Fittipaldi. Although the anticipation of the event remains high, the replacement for Verstappen in the Red Bull RB8 has yet to be confirmed.
With the re-emergence of tensions between Horner and Verstappen, speculations about Max Verstappen’s future with the team get ignited. Despite having a contract with Red Bull until 2028, rumours of a possible move to Mercedes have surfaced. Toto Wolff of Mercedes has shown an inclination towards Max Verstappen as a top choice to replace Lewis Hamilton. Even with all such speculations flowing around, Max Verstappen affirms his intent to stick with Red Bull for the next season.
Whether Max Verstappen will stick to his current team or make a move to Mercedes is an interesting aspect to watch out for in the future. Meanwhile, the unexpected withdrawal of Jos Verstappen from the Legends Parade and its implications within Red Bull team makes for some significant F1 updates.
Source: Planetf1
