Red Bull feud 'petulant and unnecessary' - Brundle

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle believes the ongoing feud between Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen that resurfaced over the Austrian Grand Prix weekend is "petulant and unnecessary".

Verstappen withdrew from the Legends Parade that took place at the Red Bull Ring on the understanding Red Bull team principal Horner was trying to block him from driving Sebastian Vettel's title-winning RB8 from 2012. It is also believed no official photography ofr video would have taken place.

Horner denied the accusation, only for the row to escalate between the pair by Verstappen saying he "was done" with the Briton, whilst also refusing to rule out the possibility of son Max joining Mercedes.

Suggested to Brundle that the situation between the pair was "petty", the Sky Sports F1 co-commentator said: "I can't even believe we're having to talk about it.

"I think it is significant in a way. Blood is thicker than water, and Max will always support his dad and other key people who have been around him for a very long time.

"It just seems petulant and unnecessary."

Following the three-time F1 champion's sprint victory on Saturday, he was quizzed on his feelings on the spat and whether it affected him in any way, conceding it was "not nice" for him, his dad, Horner, or the team.

Brundle added: "It's so unfair on Max, to make him have to answer questions like that when he's trying to focus [on the weekend].

"And they've had so much success together. Every point, every podium, every victory, every world championship Max has had has been with Red Bull.

"And the money they've collected [the team from sponsorship], because the kid's a genius in a racing car. He's earned all of those, and all of that money.

"Why do they have to spoil it with some sort of petulant stuff?"

Horner ended up having some fun at Verstappen Sr's expense, and that of old rival Toto Wolff, when he suggested if the Mercedes team principal wanted to sign a Verstappen then the older Dutchman was available.

"He was poking Toto Wolff there, wasn't he?" said Brundle with a smile. "And using Jos. It was like a double whammy for Christian."