Jos Verstappen has revealed he was delivered a “very serious” warning regarding Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Verstappen Sr’s feud with Horner has dominated the headlines throughout this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, with the former F1 driver accusing him of stopping him from participating in the Legends Parade.
The display sees several old cars complete show laps of the circuit at the Red Bull Ring, with Verstappen Sr due to drive Sebastian Vettel’s title-winning 2012 RB8.
Verstappen Sr, however, revealed on Friday that he had withdrawn from the event and accused Horner of doing all he could to stop the Dutchman from participating.
“I think it’s a shame, I would have really liked it, too,” Verstappen Sr told Viaplay. “I also prepared for it, I have all the stuff with me.
“But when I heard how everything went and how it was thwarted. Then I was like, ‘If there is so much opposition from someone within our team, I don’t have to do it’.”
Verstappen Sr also claimed Horner had threatened to prevent any filming of photography if the 52-year-old was involved.
In the latest development, the Dutchman has now claimed that Horner issued him a warning if he participated.
“From what I heard, is that he did everything he could to stop me,” he added.
“And that I should just watch out if that thing should brake as well. I think that’s pretty serious to put it that way.”
Max not involved
Verstappen’s feud with Horner started earlier this year when the Red Bull boss was investigated for alleged inappropriate behaviour. He was later cleared.
Following this latest furore, Verstappen is unsure how Horner can create a positive atmosphere within the Red Bull team.
“For someone who leads the team and wants to create peace within the team, I do find this very punishing,” he noted.
“How should I deal with that when you hear this? That doesn’t work a positive advantage for him.”
Despite the comments from Jos Verstappen and Horner, Max Verstappen has dominated all sessions in Austria.
It has been stressed by the 26 year-old’s father that Max “is not involved with this.”
He added: “He was sitting there when that was told and he shook his head.
“Then I just know it’s OK. It’s a little sad, but on the other hand, we’ll forget about it, move on and it’s about what’s best for Max. I hope they build a car that wins for a long time.
“Then Max will be fine and I will do everything so he stays fine and is fine. But as soon as that is no longer the case, then I know what will happen.”