Horner meets with Max Verstappen’s manager in bid to ease Red Bull tensions
Christian Horner staged a face-to-face meeting with Max Verstappen’s representative in Dubai on Monday in a bid to iron out escalating tensions at Red Bull. The summit was held 48 hours after Verstappen’s father, Jos, said Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in his role as team principal.
Neither Jos nor his son were present, with Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen acting on the Dutch driver’s behalf, according to PA Media. A source said the talks “went well”. Senior Red Bull figures were also said to be present. The next grand prix takes place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Verstappen’s victory at the opening round of the season last weekend in Bahrain was overshadowed by continued controversy surrounding Horner.
Following the race Horner said he was “absolutely confident” he would stay on as the Red Bull principal for the remainder of the season after overseeing Verstappen lead a one-two finish from teammate Sergio Pérez.
Horner has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks after allegations made against him by a female colleague. Hornere has always denied the claims.
But, speaking to the Daily Mail, Verstappen Sr added further fuel to the fire when he said: “There is tension here while he [Horner] remains in position.
“The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.” Responding to Verstappen Sr’s comments, a Red Bull Racing spokesperson said: “There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing.”