Max Verstappen has confirmed that the recent dismissal of Christian Horner as Red Bull’s team principal and chief executive will not affect his future with the team. Horner was removed abruptly following the British Grand Prix in July, a decision that surprised many considering his two decades at the helm.
This move occurred amid ongoing speculation about Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull, with rumors suggesting that the management shake-up was aimed at securing the Dutch driver‘s loyalty. Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, the first race under new leadership, Verstappen acknowledged the decision taken by the team’s shareholders and emphasized his focus remains unchanged.
Management Changes and Verstappen’s Perspective on the Decision
Verstappen remarked that the shareholders and management have the right to execute changes as they see fit. Reflecting on Horner’s long tenure, he noted the many successful years they had together despite recent challenges. He stated,
“At the end of the day, management and the shareholders decided that they wanted a change, and at the end of the day, they run the team, and I’m the driver. So, whatever they decide, it’s fully in their right to do what they want. And that’s basically how it happened.”
He also acknowledged that the last one and a half years had been difficult for Red Bull’s performance.
“Naturally, there are also years where it’s not going that well, and I think the last one and a half years have not gone how we would have liked. And management decided they wanted to steer the ship in a different direction, probably. And then everyone else has to agree to that and look forward.”
The Dynamic Between Verstappen, Horner, and Jos Verstappen
Speculation about the reasons behind Horner’s dismissal included tensions between Horner and Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, who publicly called for Horner’s removal during the 2024 season. However, Max Verstappen minimized the importance of those disagreements. He emphasized that differing opinions are natural and sometimes necessary within a team.
He explained,
“No, it doesn’t, really, I think people can have a difference in opinion here and there, and I actually expect that to happen, because if everyone always agrees, there is a problem. You need to have difference in opinions.”
Verstappen expressed optimism about moving forward under a different approach, adding,
“That’s now something that we work with in a different direction. I’m excited about it.”
He reinforced that the changes would not influence his choices regarding his tenure with Red Bull.
“I don’t think it will matter at all for my decision in the future. At the end, the only thing that matters is that we work on the car and make it as fast as we can make it.”
Regarding the team’s competitiveness this year and beyond, Verstappen stated,
“The last one and a half years have not been where we want to be. Now we try to be more competitive, this year a little bit, but for sure also with the new regulations.”
Verstappen Reflects on His Commitment and Life’s Uncertainties
Despite being under contract with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen acknowledged he still has decisions to make about his racing future. When questioned directly about this, he responded philosophically.
“There is also a possibility I don’t wake up tomorrow, that there is no driving at all.”
He expressed contentment with his current situation and aspirations, noting,
“Life is unpredictable. In general, I’m very happy where I’m at. And I would hope that still… the target that we set out when we signed the new deal, that I would drive here until the end of my career.”
Verstappen’s Enduring Bond with Christian Horner
Max Verstappen affirmed that his personal relationship with Christian Horner remains unchanged despite the latter’s exit. He described Horner as part of his “second family,” reflecting on their shared experiences and emotional moments as a team.
Verstappen said,
“Of course I spoke to Christian. I still spoke to him even today. So in that sense the relationship never will change also from my side. We have experienced so many things together in the team and, of course, great emotional moments.”
He added,
“For me, the team anyway feels like a second family and, of course, Christian is included in that. I’m just incredibly thankful of all the moments we have lived together and that there is a time that someone goes if that’s Christian or me in a team, that happens. That is what happens in sport anyway, no one is there forever.”
Summarizing the situation, Verstappen observed,
“It happened at a time where maybe a lot of people maybe didn’t expect that but at the end of the day, I’m the driver and the management made the decision, and you have to continue.”
New Leadership Takes Over at Red Bull Ahead of Belgian Grand Prix
Laurent Mekies has taken over Horner’s responsibilities as Red Bull’s team principal and chief executive starting with the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. This event also marks the return of the Sprint format in the Formula 1 season, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
The race weekend schedule features multiple practice and qualifying sessions across Formula 3, Formula 2, and the main F1 competition, culminating in the Belgian Grand Prix race on Sunday afternoon. Sky Sports will cover all sessions with live streaming options available to fans, including NOW’s contract-free service.
Implications for Red Bull and Verstappen’s Future Competitiveness
The sudden leadership change at Red Bull highlights the team’s desire to refocus and regain a competitive edge after recent struggles. Verstappen’s calm acceptance of the decision, combined with his close ties to the organization and commitment to speed, suggests stability in the driving lineup.
This reshuffling could potentially revitalize Red Bull’s strategy for upcoming Grand Prix races and the 2025 F1 season, which continues to evolve under new regulations. Verstappen’s statements underscore his intent to maintain high performance and contribute to the team’s success throughout the remainder of his contract.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Max Verstappen apologize?
A. Christian Horner shared that Max Verstappen said sorry to the Red Bull team after he collided with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. This incident caused Verstappen to fall from fifth to tenth place because of a 10-second penalty.
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s baby gender?
A. On May 2, Verstappen, who is 27, shared two pictures of his baby daughter on Instagram and mentioned her name, Lily, in the caption. He wrote, “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily.”
Q. Who did Max Verstappen lose respect for?
A. Max Verstappen expressed that he “lost all respect” for George Russell after a stewards’ meeting in Qatar about a qualifying incident in Formula 1®.
