Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has erupted in anger following new accusations directed at his star driver, Max Verstappen. The British media has been abuzz with reports alleging controversial behavior by Verstappen, and Horner has now publicly blasted the media for what he calls unfair and baseless claims.

The accusations revolve around Verstappen’s recent on-track behavior and interactions with his team. Sources claim that Verstappen has been increasingly vocal about his frustrations with Red Bull’s strategy, with some even suggesting that he is putting undue pressure on his engineers to alter team decisions in his favor. Additionally, rumors have swirled about Verstappen’s influence within the team, with suggestions that he may be pushing Red Bull to make specific changes to accommodate his personal racing preferences.

While Verstappen has always been known for his intense drive and unwavering focus on winning, the accusations are framing him as increasingly difficult to manage—a stark contrast to the calm and calculated image the Dutch driver has worked hard to maintain throughout his career.

Horner, visibly upset, responded to the accusations during a press conference. “These reports are completely unfounded and nothing more than a smear campaign,” he said, visibly losing his temper. “Max is one of the hardest-working and most dedicated drivers we have ever had, and for the media to make such ridiculous claims is utterly disrespectful. It’s beyond frustrating when these rumors are spread without any real evidence.”

Horner went on to criticize the British media, calling their treatment of Verstappen “biased” and “targeted.” He defended Verstappen’s role at Red Bull, emphasizing that the driver’s input is invaluable to the team’s success. “Max’s voice is crucial to our success,” Horner stated. “He’s a champion, and part of being a champion is having strong opinions. But there’s no toxicity, and there is certainly no pressure being applied to anyone in the team.”

The British media has long had a complicated relationship with Verstappen, especially with the intense rivalry between him and Lewis Hamilton. As one of the most dominant forces in Formula 1, Verstappen’s every move is often scrutinized, and the press is quick to report on any hint of drama.

Many F1 fans and pundits have suggested that the media’s relentless focus on Verstappen’s personality and relationships within the team is a way to fuel controversy in an effort to heighten the drama around the sport. This latest round of accusations is just one of many instances where Verstappen’s conduct has been unfairly painted in a negative light, according to Horner and Red Bull fans.

So far, Verstappen has not publicly commented on the new accusations, but sources close to the driver suggest that he is not concerned with the media’s portrayal of him. Verstappen, who has repeatedly expressed his preference for focusing on his racing rather than engaging in media squabbles, is likely to remain focused on his performance on the track.

Horner’s fiery response has certainly calmed some of the tensions within Red Bull, but the media storm is far from over. As the F1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Verstappen and his relationship with both Red Bull and the media. Will this latest round of accusations create more friction within the team, or will Verstappen and Red Bull continue to dominate on track, silencing the critics once again?

For now, Horner and Verstappen are both focused on finishing the season strong, with the team still in a commanding position for the 2024 championship. However, with the media continuing to target Verstappen, it remains to be seen how much longer the relationship between the driver, Red Bull, and the British media can remain intact.