Because the wraps got here off a surprisingly radical 2024 Crimson Bull on Thursday, Christian Horner and Max Verstappen tried to swerve across the pre-season scandal.
“Every little thing I’m going to say about that may in fact be interpreted in a sure method,” triple world champion Verstappen mentioned when requested in regards to the administration scandal and accusations that would finish Horner’s reign as staff boss.
“It’s higher to not say something for some time,” he instructed De Telegraaf.
It had been instructed that the Verstappen camp, together with Max’s father Jos but in addition with the backing of Dr Helmut Marko, are literally concerned within the push to oust Horner.
“The connection is similar as at all times, I can inform you that,” Verstappen insisted. “I don’t know who writes these sorts of issues, however Christian and I are the identical as at all times.”
There had been solutions that Horner may not attend the RB20’s launch or the beginning of pre-season testing amid the continuing investigation, however he bravely confronted reporters at Milton-Keynes.
“For me, it’s enterprise as ordinary and I’m assured,” Horner, 50, mentioned. “If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be right here.
“It’s inevitably a distraction,” he admitted, “however as a staff we’re completely united.”
Horner additionally joined Verstappen in denying there’s a rift with the Dutch and Austrian parts of the Crimson Bull operation.
“It’s not like that in any respect,” he mentioned. “I used to be with Jos and Max at Silverstone a few days in the past. Max could be very targeted on his work, he’s very supportive and I’m wanting ahead to the season with him.
“Helmut? There are at all times rumours, however we’re collectively as a staff,” Horner added. “That’s how we’ve at all times been, and that’s how we are going to proceed to function.
“We’re one staff, one group, with the corporate’s administration. The assist from shareholders has been phenomenal – with out it we wouldn’t be right here.”
Horner admitted, nonetheless, that he isn’t positive how lengthy Crimson Bull GmbH’s investigation will take.
“I’m completely dedicated to this staff,” he mentioned. “I’ve been right here because the starting. I’ve constructed this staff. However my focus is on the longer term.
“I really feel the assist throughout the enterprise, inside our companions, throughout the business – it’s been overwhelming,” Horner added. “However there’s a job to do.
“I totally deny the accusations and my position clearly continues.”
Critically, Marko was on the Milton-Keynes occasion on Thursday – as was new Crimson Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff who has been tipped to succeed Horner.
Verstappen, 26, insisted he isn’t frightened that the distraction of the Horner affair has put Crimson Bull’s eye off the ball within the important weeks heading into the brand new season.
“No,” he mentioned. “I really feel that everybody could be very targeted and really motivated. The spirit within the staff is truthfully higher than ever.
“Apart from, my life shouldn’t be solely Formulation 1. After I’m at dwelling, I favor not to consider it an excessive amount of.”
