The relationship between Max Verstappen, Red Bull, and team principal Christian Horner has reached a critical point, with tension running high following explosive comments from Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen. Recent revelations suggest that Red Bull may be on the verge of a serious fallout, possibly even terminating their contract with the reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, after statements made by Horner sparked widespread controversy.

In a candid interview with De Telegraaf, Jos Verstappen made it clear that he has no regrets over his outspoken criticism of Christian Horner and Red Bull this season. Despite Horner being cleared of any wrongdoing in an internal Red Bull investigation earlier this year, Jos Verstappen has remained vocal about his dissatisfaction with the team principal’s leadership.

When asked if he regretted his comments, Jos Verstappen was firm in his response: “No, not at all.” He explained that Horner’s actions directly impact the team and, by extension, his son Max’s career. “What the team boss does or does not do, that does influence everything that is going on around the team, and therefore around Max. Of course, I get involved in that,” Verstappen added, further emphasizing his right to voice his opinion on the matter.

Max Verstappen, who is on track to secure his fourth consecutive World Championship, earlier expressed discomfort with the public clash between his father and Horner, noting that such disputes were “not nice” for anyone involved. Yet Jos remains defiant, stating, “I will never harm Max. I look at the overall picture. At the end of the day, I stand by everything I said.”

The tension within Red Bull has only intensified this season, with multiple high-profile departures from the team, including Adrian Newey, who left for Aston Martin, and Jonathan Wheatley, who moved to Sauber/Audi as their new team principal. These departures have only added fuel to the fire, with Jos Verstappen claiming that Red Bull is at risk of being “torn apart” unless leadership changes are made.

However, Verstappen Sr. believes the team is now experiencing a shift in leadership and stability, citing the increased influence of advisor Helmut Marko. “I do have that feeling. The team is now growing a bit more together again,” he said, suggesting that there may be hope for Red Bull’s internal cohesion moving forward.

But with tensions at an all-time high, the relationship between the Verstappens and Horner could have significant repercussions for Red Bull, including the potential destabilization of their partnership with Max Verstappen. As Jos Verstappen continues to stand by his criticism, it remains unclear whether Red Bull will seek to resolve the matter or take drastic action, such as severing ties with the Verstappen family.

The fallout from this dispute is far from over, and the future of both Max Verstappen and Red Bull may hinge on the resolution of these deepening tensions.