Jos Verstappen, father of four-time world champion Max, has spoken publicly on Christian Horner’s shock sacking as Red Bull team principal for the first time during a frosty exchange ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman, who competed in Formula 1 between 1994 and 2003, was approached by the Sky Sports pundits during Martin Brundle’s famous gridwalk ahead of Sunday’s race at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
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“Big changes in the team,” Brundle asked.
“Are you and Max and everybody happy with where it’s going so far?”
Verstappen responded: “Well, they decided to change so I’m fine with everything. So as long as it works.”
However, former F1 champion Nico Rosberg interjected: “Last year, you said Horner need to go.”
Verstappen replied: “That was one and a half years ago. It’s different. I have nothing to say. It’s fine.”
Rosberg added: “Now you’re quiet?”
Verstappen quipped: “I’m always quiet.”
Jos Verstappen with the Sky Sports pundits.Source: FOX SPORTS
The tense exchange comes after long-serving Red Bull team principal and chief executive Horner was stood down by the F1 team earlier this month, with Laurent Mekies taking over the role ahead of the Belgian GP.
Verstappen was an outspoken critic of Horner, especially following last year’s sexting scandal, with rumoured friction between the duo.
Reigning world champion Verstappen, who placed fourth during Sunday’s race, still has three years remaining on his F1 contract, but the 27-year-old has been linked with a move to Mercedes.
However, speaking to reporters earlier this week, Verstappen insisted Horner’s exit will have no bearing on his future with Red Bull.
“No, it doesn’t really. Now, I think people can have a difference of opinion here and then,” he explained.
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“And I actually expect that to happen because if everyone always agrees, there is a problem. You need to have difference of opinions.
“And yeah, that’s now something that we work with in a different direction. I’m excited about it.
“Like you said, I don’t think it will matter at all for my decision in the future.
“And yet, the only thing that matters is that we work on the car and make it as fast as we can make it, really.
“And like I said, the last one and a half years have not been what we want to be.
“Now we try and be more competitive this year a little bit, but for sure also with the new regulations.”
The F1 season resumes this weekend with the Hungarian Grand Prix.