Ex- F1 driver claims Max Verstappen is ‘close to joining’ Mercedes

Max Verstappen's dad Jos Verstappen had a meeting with Toto Wolff in Jeddah.

Ex- F1 driver claims Max Verstappen is ‘close to joining’ Mercedes

Toto Wolff [L] and Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)

At the start of February, Christian Horner was accused by a female employee at Red Bull of inappropriate and controlling behavior. The allegations were serious and Red Bull GmbH hired a private Barrister to handle the case. The investigation brought a lot of negative light on the team. 

Despite getting cleared of the allegations recently, Christian Horner found himself in more trouble due to the leaked evidence. Those reached Jos Verstappen as well, and he stated Horner would lead to the downfall of Red Bull.

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Verstappen Sr. during all of this had a meeting with Mercedes’s team principal. The ongoing chaos within Red Bull would cost the team their ace, Max Verstappen, according to the former F1 driver, Johnny Herbert.

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It doesn't help the situation for Red Bull who have the best driver in the world at the present time. And they're very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out of the team, I've heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.
Johnny Herbert said in an interview with the Sun

Herbert is of the opinion that Horner should reconsider his position on the team. The whole controversy has caused unrest and the former believes, Verstappen is the reason behind Red Bull’s winning run. If he was to leave, the team would end up losing all its glory. 

F1 pundit advises Red Bull to delve into sacking Max Verstappen rather than Christian Horner

Red Bull has found themselves in a difficult situation. With the ongoing controversies surrounding the team, the Austrian team members might look to find another home. There have been speculations of Verstappen to Mercedes in the future.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Via IMAGO)

Ahead of the Jeddah race, when Helmut Marko’s place was at risk, the Dutchman had made it very clear, that he would leave if the advisor was let go. According to F1 journalist, Joe Saward, the team should keep Horner instead of the reigning world champion. 

If I were the owner of Red Bull Racing I would get rid of Verstappen and not Horner because that is Team Horner. Even if he is the best driver in the world because, if you don’t want to destroy the team you don’t get rid of the team leader who built it.
Joe Saward said on the Missed Apex Formula 1 podcast

According to Saward’s beliefs, Horner has been with the team for over a decade and has built the team and helped it get to where it is today. There is no denying Max Verstappen’s efforts and that he’s the reason behind the team’s current domination. But Saward feels that the one who built the team from the ground up should be the one to stay.  

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