Jos Verstappen insists he has no regrets about stirring issues up at Crimson Bull earlier this yr in warning of the dangers the group may very well be ‘torn aside’.
The daddy of the squad’s driver Max Verstappen was sad in the beginning of the marketing campaign in regards to the scenario surrounding group boss Christian Horner in relation to the investigation into allegations made towards him by a feminine worker.
Talking after the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix in feedback that had been explosive on the time, the previous F1 driver advised The Every day Mail about Horner: “There’s rigidity right here whereas he stays in place.
“The group is at risk of being torn aside. It could actually’t go on the best way it’s. It would explode. He’s enjoying the sufferer, when he’s the one inflicting the issues.”
Whereas issues have calmed down rather a lot since then with Crimson Bull having not been torn aside as Max captured his fourth world title, Jos says he stands wholly by what he mentioned.
Requested by De Telegraaf if he regretted something, Verstappen Sr. mentioned: “No, by no means. What the group boss does or doesn’t do, that does affect the whole lot that is occurring across the group. And subsequently round Max.
“In fact I get entangled in that. I see all of it taking place and I do suppose that I’m able to say one thing about it.
“If I’m placed on the spot, then I’ll give my opinion. I’ll by no means hurt Max. I have a look at the general image. On the finish of the day, I stand by the whole lot I mentioned.”
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing, Christian Horner, Group Principal, Crimson Bull Racing, Helmut Marko, Advisor, Crimson Bull Racing, Jos Verstappen
Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Photos
The 2024 season did witness some key modifications at Crimson Bull, nevertheless, with chief technical officer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley each leaving.
Reflecting on how issues had appeared calmer now, Verstappen mentioned: “I do have that feeling. High advisor Helmut Marko appears to have extra energy once more as nicely, which I believe is an effective factor. The group is now rising a bit extra collectively once more.”
Verstappen added that whereas the 2024 marketing campaign proved profitable for his son, it was not probably the most enjoyable they’ve had collectively as a group.
“On the sporting facet, it was a much less fulfilling yr with all of the issues happening surrounding the group,” he mentioned. “However it ends with highlights, which is optimistic.
“All of it turned out very in another way than I had thought beforehand. Each on a sporting degree and the opposite issues round it.
“Initially of the season, Crimson Bull nonetheless regarded very sturdy, however Max was already saying after a number of races that the automotive was inferior to individuals thought. And to what extent all of the noise across the group has had an impression on the sporting efficiency, that is at all times exhausting to place a finger on.”
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Whereas Max Verstappen’s future at Crimson Bull was the topic of intense intrigue earlier within the yr, he finally rejected overtures from Mercedes to remain on board.
Nevertheless, issues might once more be up within the air subsequent yr because the squad appears to see the impression of the personnel modifications.
Jos added: “There have been quite a lot of modifications throughout the group. Some individuals have new positions. I do really feel that the group has to show itself once more and that they’ve to point out that we’re nonetheless quick. That is essential for us.
“That is the best way Max is in it. The stress is on and that is the best way it needs to be. It is as much as the group to point out that they’ve stored the nice individuals and may construct a quick automotive once more.”
On this article
Jonathan Noble
Method 1
Jos Verstappen
Max Verstappen
Crimson Bull Racing
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