Lewis Hamilton wades into Jos Verstappen-Christian Horner row – “Definitely not helpful”

Max Verstappen’s dad, Jos, has questioned Christian Horner’s position at Red Bull despite the long-serving team principal being cleared after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour

Lewis Hamilton has expressed disapproval towards Jos Verstappen for openly doubting the future of Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull.

Former Formula 1 driver Verstappen, who is the father of current Red Bull star and three-time world champion Max, has raised questions about Horner’s role, even though the team principal was exonerated following an inquiry into claims of misconduct towards a female co-worker.

Horner has vehemently refuted the allegations and insisted on his innocence following the leaking of purported private messages and images to the F1 community before the Bahrain Grand Prix, which kicked off the season. Red Bull achieved first and second place with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, but Verstappen’s father, Jos, believes that the team is at risk of falling apart.

Jos expressed his concerns in an interview with the Mail, stating that the current situation is unsustainable and will eventually lead to chaos.

He accused his son of playing the victim despite being the one responsible for the team’s issues.

Ahead of this Saturday’s Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia, Mercedes driver Hamilton was asked to weigh in on the controversy which continues to engulf the sport. “I don’t know the details of it,” Hamilton, 39, replied.

So I don’t know what he’s basing these foundations off. But at the end of the day, he’s not a part of the team, he’s a parent. And so that’s just an opinion, but it’s definitely not helpful.”

The British seven-time world champion then went on to discuss the wider implications of parent-driver relationships in F1. “I think it is a very thin line to walk,” Hamilton added. “I think it’s also dependent on your relationship with your parent.

“You meet some people who have a great relationship with their parents, and they’ve been amazing parents, and then you’ve got people that have had bad relationships. And this is not necessarily parents that have been good to them. So I don’t know about his [Verstappen’s] relationships.

Clearly, information is occasionally heard from various sources. However, Max is an adult and a champion, so he is capable of making his own choices.

As drivers, we are vulnerable to being influenced by outside sources, which may not always lead us down the correct path. This is not to suggest that this is happening in his situation, as they are performing admirably.

However, I am aware that in the sports industry, I have spoken to other athletes who have faced similar challenges.

For example, in tennis, I have personally experienced situations where lacking proper guidance can result in making incorrect decisions or hinder your ability to excel in your sport. “It is evident that he is doing well there.

It can be challenging when you want your parents to be just parents and maintain a good relationship, but things become complicated when business is also involved.” Max has supported his father when questioned about Jos potentially regretting his remarks regarding Horner’s future.

The Dutchman stated that he hasn’t directly asked his father about this, but knows him to be candid and honest, especially from their time together in go-karting. Max emphasized that he has a close relationship with his father, speaking with him daily.

The practice session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will start at 1:30pm on Thursday, while the main race is scheduled for 5pm this Saturday.