Christian Horner clarifies relationship with Verstappens amid speculation of fall out

Christian Horner has insisted that his relationship with Max and Jos Verstappen is still intact amid speculation over a possible falling out.

It’s been a difficult time for the Red Bull boss, who is under investigation for alleged misconduct.

Horner’s behaviour has been investigated by an independent lawyer following a claim from a female employee.

The outcome of the investigation is still unclear with Horner present at the launch of the RB20 on Thursday.

There had been talk that the investigation stemmed from the fact that Horner had fallen out with senior management or even the Verstappens, particularly as the early reports surrounding it came from the Dutch press.

However, speaking to Sky Sports News, Horner made it clear that he’s on good terms with both Max and Jos.

“No not at all. I was with Jos and Max at Silverstone a couple of days ago,” he said.

“Max is very focused on his job. He's been very supportive and I'm looking forward to the season ahead with him.”

Horner also clarified whether his relationship with Helmut Marko was under threat.

"There's always going to be speculation but we're together as one team, that's the way we've always been and that's the way we continue to be,” he added.

If reports of a falling out with the Verstappens or Marko are untrue, tensions with the Red Bull shareholders have also been mooted.

It was suggested that there had been a power struggle within the Red Bull organisation following the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

But once again, Horner downplayed any possible internal conflict.

"We're one team, we're one group,” he explained.

"The support from the shareholders has been phenomenal and without that support we wouldn't be here. So no, that's not correct."