Christian Horner believes Max Verstappen still seeks the approval of his father, Jos Verstappen, in everything he does. Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, the former Red Bull team principal also explained how the influence of the former Formula 1 driver and his outspoken opinions sometimes created friction and additional tensions within the team.
Although Christian Horner acknowledged the important role Jos Verstappen played in his son’s development, he also recalled disagreements that complicated his own responsibilities as team principal. The Briton’s comments provide further insight into the relationship between the Verstappen family and Red Bull’s former leadership, including the conflicts that emerged during some of the team’s most turbulent periods.
Christian Horner explains Jos Verstappen’s influence within Red Bull
During the interview, Christian Horner was asked what it was like having Max Verstappen’s father around the Red Bull paddock. He immediately highlighted the influence Jos Verstappen had developed through his own racing career and the enormous popularity of Formula 1 in the Netherlands.
“Jos, because of his background as a Formula 1 driver and the enormous enthusiasm that developed in the Netherlands, has considerable influence,” Christian Horner explained.
The former Red Bull team principal then drew a comparison between Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko, pointing out that comments from either figure would inevitably attract significant media attention. Their strong personalities and public profiles meant that statements concerning the team could quickly become major Formula 1 talking points.
However, Christian Horner was careful not to portray Jos Verstappen’s involvement as entirely negative. He recognised the important contribution the Dutchman made to Max Verstappen’s development, particularly during the early stages of his son’s racing career.
“You know, there were times when Max was still very young that Jos was very helpful in keeping him in check. He was also his harshest critic.”
Why Christian Horner believes Max Verstappen still seeks his father’s approval
Christian Horner went on to explain how he believes the relationship between Max Verstappen and Jos Verstappen has evolved over the years. Despite the success and independence the Red Bull driver has achieved in Formula 1, the former team principal suggested that his father’s opinion remains particularly important to him.
“I think Max valued his opinion very highly and probably still seeks his approval in everything he does. The person he wants to impress more than anyone else, I think, is his father,” Christian Horner said.
The observation offers a personal perspective on the relationship between the two Dutchmen. Jos Verstappen was a central figure in his son’s development as a racing driver, providing guidance and criticism as Max progressed through the junior categories and established himself in Formula 1.
According to Christian Horner, however, such a close relationship can also create complicated dynamics within a racing team, particularly when strong personalities and different interests are involved.
Christian Horner recalls clashes with Jos Verstappen at Red Bull
As Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner was responsible for protecting the interests of the entire organisation. That responsibility occasionally brought him into conflict with Jos Verstappen, whose primary concern was naturally the career and success of his son.
“Sometimes you find yourselves disagreeing. And that added another element of drama, and of course everything gets turned into a saga. But again, that’s part of being a team leader,” Christian Horner explained.
One particularly sensitive episode occurred at the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, when Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen’s team-mate at the time, claimed victory.
Following the race, Jos Verstappen publicly urged Red Bull to establish its priorities more clearly, arguing that the team should have done more to support his son’s efforts to win. Christian Horner responded firmly, stressing that the organisation was neither “Sergio Perez Racing” nor “Max Verstappen Racing”.
The disagreement illustrated the competing responsibilities involved in managing a Formula 1 team with two drivers fighting for results. While Jos Verstappen wanted his son to receive the strongest possible support, Christian Horner maintained that Red Bull had to consider the interests of the team as a whole.
How Red Bull tensions escalated before Christian Horner’s 2025 departure
The relationship deteriorated further in 2024, when Christian Horner became involved in a controversy following allegations made by a female colleague. He was subsequently cleared of those allegations, but the situation contributed to an already turbulent period within Red Bull.
Tensions involving Jos Verstappen formed part of the wider difficulties surrounding the team during that time, bringing further attention to the internal relationships between its senior figures.
Christian Horner was eventually removed from his position as Red Bull team principal in July 2025, ending his long period in charge of the Formula 1 operation.
In the Netflix series Drive to Survive, released in February 2026, Christian Horner reflected on his difficult relationship with Jos Verstappen, stating that Max Verstappen’s father “was never my biggest fan”.
Nevertheless, the former team principal made an important distinction between their personal disagreements and the circumstances surrounding his dismissal. Despite the tensions that had developed over the years, Christian Horner clarified that he did not believe the Verstappen family was responsible for his departure from Red Bull.
His latest comments underline the complicated relationship he maintained with Jos Verstappen throughout their years together. While Christian Horner recognised the father’s positive influence on Max Verstappen’s development, he also believes that influence occasionally generated conflicts that made managing Red Bull more difficult.
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