F1 Rumor: Muhammed Bin Sulayem Asked Max Verstappen to Turn Back on Father and Publicly Support Christian Horner

Formula 1 is currently grappling with the storm surrounding Red Bull’s Christian Horner’s controversy. Although the investigation is settled and the 50-year-old is deemed innocent, right before the dust settled, an anonymous source “leaked” alleged screenshots of the team principal’s private conversations and things took a turn for the worse.

Being Horner’s star driver, Max Verstappen is constantly asked about the investigation, but the driver seems focused on his performance within races. The message was leaked to over 100 people who are linked in the motorsport world. From the FIA, Teams, and media to even Jos Verstappen, the father of the current world champion. About the incident, the father of the 3-time world champion advised Red Bull to find a new team principal, while Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, has asked otherwise.

According to BBC, Mohammed Ben Sulayem asked Max Verstappen to support Christian Horner publically amidst the controversy. But his father Jos Verstappen suggested the accused team principal leave the role before the team “explodes.” Jos Verstappen also stated, “he is playing the victim when he is the one causing problems.”

Read More – Christian Horner Focuses on “Work and Family” as Tension Around Red Bull Investigation Rises

That being said, there is a divide in the F1 community, with many supporting Horner through this, while others think it’s best if he was gone. But what makes Jos Verstappen so adamant about wanting Horner replaced?

Jos Verstappen’s take on the Christian Horner leaks

The Former F1 driver was unhappy at the way things are going for Red Bull. Having his son on the team till 2028, he is worried about how things will go down if Horner continues to serve as the team principal. Papa Verstappen said, “It cannot continue this way. The situation is not good for the team and is driving people apart.”

There have been suspicions as to who leaked the messages and some fingers were pointing towards Jos Verstappen. To this, the 51-year-old driver told De Telegraaf that he has no interest in doing so as his son is “performing great” with the team. The former Dutch racer has always kept an eye out for his son’s career and now that he is the world champion, there is all the more reason to keep him safe from controversies.

That being said, there have also been rumors about Max Verstappen being looked at by Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton. Although Max Verstappen has a few years left in his contract, there is a chance that the driver might terminate his deal with Red Bull if things don’t settle down. Till then, we can sit back and enjoy the season as we have just finished the first round of 2024, and round 2 is coming up next weekend.

Do you think Horner will be replaced after the current season with Red Bull? Or will Jos Verstappen convince his son to make a move? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.