Horner glosses over 'explosive' Verstappen issue inside Red Bull

Christian Horner is adamant he and Jos Verstappen can now "move on" despite the recent incendiary comments aired by the father of triple F1 world champion Max.

In the build-up to the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, an independent investigation cleared Horner of grievances made against him of 'inappropriate behaviour' by a female Red Bull employee.

The Red Bull team principal and CEO then defiantly stood his ground after an email from an anonymous source was distributed to a number of high-profile figures inside F1 and the FIA, as well as numerous media - including RacingNews365 - of alleged WhatsApp conversations between Horner and the woman concerned.

On the day of the race at the Bahrain International Circuit, Jos Verstappen zeroed in on Horner by stating there was tension inside the team that was ready to explode if the 50-year-old did not leave.

On Monday, Horner met with Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, for clear-the-air talks in Dubai. Although the conversation was described as a positive one, Horner did not attend Verstappen's 52nd birthday celebrations that night.

Responding for the first time to Verstappen's remarks, Horner said: "Look, I'm obviously aware of the comments that were made.

"There was a discussion subsequent to the race, and I think everybody's focus is very much on the future. The team's focus is very much on defending both of these world titles that we've fought so hard to achieve. We're all looking forward."

A vested interest in Max

Asked to expand on the exact nature of the discussions, Horner declined. He said: "I'm not going to air all the discussions. That's private between the parties.

"But discussions have inevitably been had and the team is focused on the challenges that are ahead of us, the season ahead, and whilst we've had a very dominant race in Bahrain, we don't expect that to be the case in future races.

"We're acutely aware of our competitors. You don't achieve the kind of results that we've had by not being a united team, to win the race by the margin that we did, to achieve a one-two finish, fastest lap, pole position. You need to be working in total harmony to achieve those kind of races."

Horner did confirm, however, there had been no discussion with Verstappen directly about his comments.

"I spoke to Jos following the grand prix and obviously congratulated him on his son's performance," he added. "I think it's in everybody's interests, collectively, that we've agreed to move on, to focus on the future.

"We both have a vested interest in his son, to provide the best cars for him and to get the best out of him. He's started the season in the best possible way. He's an outstanding talent and hopefully we can continue to provide him a very competitive car."