Max Verstappen will be completely unfazed by the ongoing feud between his father Jos and Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

That’s according to former F1 racer Mark Blundell after tensions between the pair resurfaced at last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix. Jos was due to drive the iconic Red Bull car that Sebastian Vettel steered to the 2012 F1 championship at the team’s home event in Austria. However, he pulled out of the Legends’ Parade, alleging that Horner didn’t want him involved.

Horner has refuted claims he blocked Jos from participating, although it is believed he did question why Jos was chosen to represent Red Bull internally. It was only Jos’ second appearance in the paddock this year after he warned at the Bahrain season opener that Red Bull could “explode” if Horner stayed on.

That came after Horner faced scrutiny following accusations of inappropriate behaviour by a female employee. Horner, who denied the claims, was cleared by an internal Red Bull inquiry.

The latest clash between Jos and Horner adds to the distractions for Red Bull and casts more doubt over Max’s commitment to the team. Despite a contract with the Milton Keynes-based outfit until 2028, there are believed to be escape clauses.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff is keen to sign the world champion, with Lewis Hamilton set to don Ferrari red in 2025. But ex-McLaren driver Mark Blundell reckons Max won’t lose any sleep over paddock politics. He says the competitiveness of his car will be the deciding factor for the 26-year-old.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express on behalf of Grosvenor Sport, Blundell said: “I don’t think Max Verstappen is going to be left too concerned with what is said off-track.

“His concern is what’s underneath him as a racing car and whether it’s got the performance to go and win another world championship. I’m kind of bored of all that stuff, it isn’t relevant to Grand Prix racing.”

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Max Verstappen has been placed in an awkward position at Red Bull ( 
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(Image: Getty))

On the latest disagreement between Jos and Horner, Max himself admitted: “It is not nice, not for myself, not for my dad, not for Christian, and not for the team. You don’t want these things to happen. My dad has been quite clear about the reasons behind it and I can understand his opinion.

“He gets asked to drive the car and finds out he is not wanted. My dad doesn’t care about driving it, but he got asked if he could do it for the Dutch fans at Red Bull’s home track.

“So, I understand it, but I am here to focus on the performance. I want a good relationship with everyone. But this scenario could have been avoided.”

Mark Blundell has defended Max Verstappen’s move on Lando Norris in Austria

Meanwhile, Blundell has given his verdict on the contentious collision between Max and Lando Norris during Sunday’s Grand Prix. The Red Bull star was penalised with a 10-second time penalty for the clash but still secured a fifth-place finish, while Norris’s McLaren suffered race-ending damage. Despite criticism towards Max, Blundell, a veteran of 61 Grand Prix stars, defended his aggressive racing style.

“I’m a bit old-school and I’m all for gladiatorial battles on the circuit, that’s what we all want to watch,” he said. “And that’s what drivers want to be involved in.

“Am I surprised? No. If anyone thinks Verstappen is going to back out and give up a position lightly, that isn’t going to be the case. Is he a tough racer? Yes. Do I admire Lando going toe to toe with him? Yes as well.

“The next time it happens, there might be a different outcome. But you’re always going to get that when people go up against each other at that level. It’s a war of the mind as much as the steering wheel.”