India, March 7 -- Max Verstappen has reacted to his father Jos's outspoken criticism of Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner. Claims made by a Red Bull employee against Horner even before the 2024 Red Bull was revealed threw a shadow over the 2024 F1 season, and Jos Verstappen's remarks emerged soon after the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix. Alleged screenshots of discussions between Horner and the accuser were included in an anonymous email forwarded to Formula 1 authorities and journalists, even though Horner was eventually exonerated by external legal review.

As a result, rumours about Verstappen possibly leaving his current contract intensified, with Mercedes being mentioned as a possible destination for him in the team's quest to find a...