Jos Verstappen has once again criticized Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, reigniting a long-standing feud following Max Verstappen’s continued struggles on the track. Despite Max’s efforts, the Dutch Grand Prix extended his winless streak to five races, with Lando Norris securing victory by a significant margin of 22 seconds.
Frustrated by the team’s performance, Jos Verstappen did not hold back in his assessment, urging Red Bull to take a hard look at their recent failures. Speaking to BILD, Jos called for internal reflection rather than brushing over the team’s shortcomings. He expressed dissatisfaction with the car his son had to drive and questioned whether Horner is the right person to turn Red Bull’s fortunes around.
“It is time – if it is not already too late – to question ourselves. The good people are leaving the team. I’m very unhappy with what’s happening,” Jos stated. He added that Max would not be satisfied with the current car’s performance, and it is now up to Horner to bring the team back on track.
When asked if he trusted Horner to lead the team out of this slump, Jos was skeptical. “I’ll be surprised, but at the moment I’m saying no. A lot has to happen. The whole spirit has to change,” he said.
This isn’t the first time Jos has voiced his concerns about Horner’s leadership. In June, he claimed that Horner had prevented him from participating in the legends parade ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, an accusation Horner denied. The tension between the two was evident when Jos reportedly refused Horner’s handshake in the team’s hospitality area.
Jos Verstappen’s criticisms have been consistent, particularly since allegations surfaced accusing Horner of sending coercive text messages to a female colleague—a charge that was later cleared after an internal investigation. However, Jos remains adamant that Horner’s continued leadership could lead to further issues within Red Bull.
“There is tension here while he remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems,” Jos remarked earlier in the year.
As Max Verstappen continues to battle on the track, the pressure on Red Bull’s leadership is intensifying, with Jos Verstappen leading the charge for significant changes
