Christian Horner, upon entering the press conference room at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg just before half past two UST, immediately knows what’s in store. It’s going to be another round of fighting, denying, sniping, and clarifying. And all this because of Jos Verstappen, who earlier in the day declared he’s ‘completely done’ with Red Bull’s team boss.
The Friday starts off quietly, as is often the case during Grand Prix weekends. The sun warms the stunning Alpine circuit, drivers trickle in, and the Formula 3 has just kicked off the Austrian GP weekend with the first training session. But then a bombshell drops: Jos Verstappen has withdrawn from the Legends Parade, a demonstration in which he was supposed to drive Red Bull’s RB8 from 2012 on Saturday and Sunday. The reason? Christian Horner has decided that no film footage of Verstappen can be made, although some other veterans driving historic F1 cars will be filmed.
When I hear the news, I happen to see Jos Verstappen sitting with some guests in Red Bull’s motorhome. With a few strong words, he lets it be known what he thinks of Horner’s veto. It’s childish, above all. ‘I’m completely done with him,’ Verstappen adds. ‘It’s like a kindergarten.’
A Controversy is Born
A controversy has been sparked, and the relationship between Verstappen and Horner, already frosty, is irreparably damaged. The news quickly spreads around the paddock, and at Red Bull, they are already feverishly considering how to quell this dispute. A tiring task, Horner realizes, who coincidentally was chosen by the FIA as one of the four guests for the traditional team bosses’ press conference that afternoon. Just his luck…
Horner is the last to join the session in Spielberg just before half past two (UST). What stands out: he spends almost the entire time texting someone on his phone. It appears to be with Paul Smith, the head of communication who is sitting on the side watching and listening, perhaps giving instructions? Their texting behavior runs fairly synchronously.
Horner Braces Himself
After the usual, friendly opening questions, it’s the journalists’ turn. Horner braces himself, knowing he will be asked for a response to Verstappen’s harsh criticism. He doesn’t delve too deeply into it, using several escape routes. However, he does take a swipe at Max’s father. “If Mercedes wants a Verstappen, Jos is available,” he says with a hint of malice.
After the press conference, I run into Jos Verstappen in the paddock. He happens to be standing in front of one of Mercedes’ black transport trucks. ‘Take a picture. Fun, right?’
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