Verstappen unfazed by Horner speculation before F1 opener

Max Verstappen on Wednesday brushed aside suggestions his bid for a fourth consecutive world title may be affected by speculation around his Red Bull boss Christian Horner. Horner’s future with the outfit was thrown into doubt after he was accused of alleged controlling and improper behavior by a female Red Bull team member, a claim that initiated an independent investigation.

“It doesn’t affect me,” Verstappen said before this weekend’s season-opening Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain. “I’m very focused on the car and on myself and, hopefully, it is resolved very soon,” he added. Horner denied all the claims and continued to work as usual in the build-up to the new season while the probe was completed. It has been reported that the outcome is due to be made public on Thursday. The 26-year-old Dutchman kept his responses brief to questions from reporters at the Bahrain International Circuit where he won last year’s race for the first time.

“It’s a whole team effort and everyone sticks together,” he said. “And we all work for success and that’s why it should be resolved very soon.” Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, the most successful driver at Sakhir with five wins, said the investigation into Horner’s behavior was ‘hanging over the sport’ and that the outcome was important for the future. “It’s a difficult one to answer,” said Hamilton, who announced earlier this month he will leave Mercedes and race for Ferrari in 2025. “I think we always have to do more to try and make the sport, and the environment that people work in, feel safe and inclusive.