Christian Horner 'snubbed' by Verstappen family as Red Bull saga takes fresh twist

Christian Horner 'snubbed' by Verstappen family as Red Bull saga takes fresh twist

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 05/03/2024

- 13:43

Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen don't appear to be seeing eye-to-eye at Red Bull.

Christian Horner was reportedly 'snubbed' by the Verstappen family for Jos Verstappen's 52nd birthday celebrations on Monday while Helmut Marko was present.

Verstappen Snr and Horner were spotted in an animated conversation during the season-opening race in Bahrain last week.


While Red Bull enjoyed a strong performance on track with a one-two finish, the weekend was overshadowed by the saga surrounding Horner after he faced accusations of 'inappropriate behaviour' from a female employee.

Horner was cleared by the investigation of any wrongdoing, but just 24 hours later messages purporting to be between the Red Bull team principal and his accuser were leaked in a dramatic twist.

Jos Verstappen is said to still be annoyed with Christian Horner

Jos Verstappen is said to still be annoyed with Christian Horner

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The situation has caused uproar behind the scenes at Red Bull with senior figures holding crisis talks to try and smooth things over.

Verstappen Snr showed his true feelings on the matter in an explosive interview where he was quoted as saying: “The team is in danger of being torn apart.

"It can't go on the way it is. It will explode.”

Red Bull attempted to steady the ship with a spokesperson releasing a statement that the team remain unified.

They said: "There are no issues here, the team are united and we are focused on racing".

However, Germany outlet Bild claim Horner was not invited to Verstappen Snr's birthday celebrations on Monday in a fresh sign that things aren't all well at Red Bull.

Red Bull advisor Marko was present at the celebrations, which were held in a 'luxury hotel in Dubai'.

Horner is said to have also been in the United Arab Emirates, but he wasn't invited to the dinner to celebrate Verstappen Snr's birthday.

The report claims the reason for Horner not being present was down to his relationship reportedly souring with the former F1 driver.

Verstappen Snr is still said to be 'extremely annoyed' by the saga surrounding Horner.

Helmut Marko was invited to the party

Helmut Marko was invited to the party

GETTY

But Marko shares a strong bond with the Verstappen family having been responsible for helping the three-time world champion gain a seat with Red Bull at the age of 17.

Horner remains defiant over his future at Red Bull and insisted over the weekend that he's confident of remaining in charge.

The 50-year-old now wants to 'move on' having been cleared by the independent investigation.

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Christian Horner was supported by Geri Halliwell at the weekend

Christian Horner was supported by Geri Halliwell at the weekend

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"There was a full, lengthy internal process that was completed by an independent KC," Horner said.

"And the grievance that was raised was dismissed. End of. Move on.

"I've always been entirely confident that I would be here. And my focus is on the season ahead and the races we have ahead.

"What people choose to write is up to them. But my focus coming out of this weekend is on the next race in seven days' time in Saudi Arabia."

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