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Max Verstappen took pole position for Saturday’s sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix on Friday after his father had another public row with “childish” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
The 26-year-old Dutch driver overtook his closest rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris, in the final seconds of a thrilling race to take the best starting position and delight the large crowd of Orange fans at the Red Bull Ring.
His best lap time was one minute and four point six eight six seconds, 0.093 seconds ahead of Norris in the hot conditions of the Styrian Alps.
“It feels great to be first at my home grand prix in front of all the home fans,” said Verstappen, who leads Norris by 69 points as he aims for a fourth consecutive world title.
“It’s been good so far today, it feels great to drive this car. It feels well balanced and we just need to make a few adjustments so it’s going pretty well.
“I have nothing to worry about and I’m very relaxed. Let’s see what happens tomorrow.”
He added: “It was a positive day, the car was strong and everything was going well, so it was a good start to the weekend. Hopefully I can continue this tomorrow.”
Horner previously took issue with comments made by Verstappen’s father, Jos.
Verstappen Sr., returning to the paddock for the first time since Bahrain, said the team was in danger of “falling apart” if Horner continued in his job following allegations of controlling behavior by a female staff member.
Horner had previously angered Verstappen, who claimed he was banned from taking part in the Red Bull Legends parade at the Red Bull Ring, driving the team’s 2012 car, which Sebastian Vettel drove to his third consecutive world title.
He said Horner banned any filming, a decision that led to his withdrawal.
“You are so childish,” he told Formule1.nl. “It’s like kindergarten.”
“For example, it was originally going to be filmed with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed.
“I’m done with Horner. It’s like kindergarten here. I could have been in the race but I chickened out. I think it’s childish of Horner to do that but I think it says something about him.”
Horner retorted: “Look, I already know that. The Legends Parade is organised by the circuit, I don’t have a veto or anything like that.”
“I’m sure the legend will make his move later.”
He added: “My relationship with Max has always been good and strong. He is a key part of our team and our driver – it is very important to have a strong relationship with him.”
“I’ve never had problems with our riders’ fathers before and whatever Jos’s problem is I have nothing to say about it.”
Earlier, Red Bull team principal Toto Wolff mocked rival Mercedes team principal after Max Verstappen confirmed on Thursday that he would remain at the Red Bull team next year.
Asked why Wolff maintained his connection with the champion, Horner said: “You’d have to ask Toto that question. Max was very adamant about what he said and he was very adamant about that in the team. I think it was purely a distraction tactic.”
“If he really wants Verstappen to come next year, then I think Jos is a possibility.”
Wolff has said his goal is for Verstappen to replace Hamilton, who joins Ferrari next year.
Horner said: “Max is a huge part of our team. He has won every victory and podium he has had in a Red Bull car, as well as three world championships to date. He is a vital member of the team.
“Obviously there were a lot of rumours about him going somewhere else and sometimes people just thought it was a diversionary tactic – because you have to question what was the motivation behind it?
“This driver (Hamilton) who made waves in the market, who had all the information about engines and the 2026 regulations and so on, chose to leave and left a vacancy at Mercedes.”
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