Christian Horner has denied he pulled the plug on Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, taking part in a legends’ parade prior to Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix.
Verstappen Snr had been set to drive the Red Bull machine which carried Sebastian Vettel to the world championship in 2012 ahead of the team’s home race in Spielberg this weekend.
But Verstappen Snr, 52, has withdrawn from the event after he was quoted in the Dutch media as claiming that Horner did not want him to participate.
Responding to Verstappen Snr’s comments, Red Bull team principal Horner said: “The legends’ parade is something that is organised by the circuit and there was no veto from my side or anything like that.
“My relationship with Max has always been very good and very strong and he is a key part of our team. He is our driver and he is the one that is important to have a strong relationship with.