Verstappen Not Distracted By Off-Track Controversies Surrounding Horner

Wednesday, 28 February 2024 at 15:00

Max Verstappen stated that he isn't distracted by the allegations surrounding Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, ahead of the new season.

With the new F1 season approaching, Red Bull is not dealing only with their on-track speed but also with some off-track controversies, as Horner is facing allegations of "inappropriate behavior."

The team principal's fate should be decided before Thursday, but even the investigation as such, and the negative energy surrounding that, could be damaging to the team, according to former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve.

However, last year's champion, and the champion of the past three seasons, Max Verstappen, doesn't seem to be affected by the controversies surrounding the team principal.

According to the Dutch driver, who spoke during the press conference ahead of the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit, he focuses only on his own performances, rather than team's off-track problems.

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“"It doesn't. I'm very focused on just the performance of the car and myself. Hopefully it will be resolved very soon."”

On top of that, the Dutchman wishes for the situation to be resolved soon, but also called for the team to stay united, as this can either stop them from the progress made, or bond them even more together as arguably the best team on the grid at the moment.

“"It's a whole team effort that everyone has to stick together and work to more success, so that's why it's important to get everything resolved very soon."”

The first race weekend of the 2024 season starts on Thursday, February 29th, with the qualifying held on March 1st, and the first Grand Prix of this year starting on March 2nd.

Before the teams leave Bahrain, Horner's case should progress significantly, and the decision should be made, which would then likely influence if the 50-year-old would appear in Saudi Arabia or not.