Former F1 driver Gerhard Berger has implied that the team around Max Verstappen may have contributed to Christian Horner’s recent dismissal from Red Bull. In an interview with Krone Zeitung, Berger hinted that removing the team principal and CEO, who had been with the team for years, could have been a deliberate move to secure Verstappen’s future with the squad.
Concerns about Verstappen’s potential transfer to Mercedes have intensified rumours that his camp allegedly issued an ultimatum demanding Horner’s exit to keep the world champion at Red Bull. Berger noted that the relationship between Verstappen and Horner was strained, which could have factored into the decision.
Berger also expressed worry about Red Bull’s current trajectory, suggesting the team is entering a phase of decline and will need to concentrate on rebuilding to return to top form. He emphasized the importance of stabilizing the team to properly support Verstappen moving forward.
“That could certainly have been one of the factors that tipped the scales. Because as we know, the Verstappens and Horner were not the best of friends. I do think Max will stay at Red Bull. You could see it was going this way at Red Bull Racing. If Horner was really surprised, that’s a bad sign, because even as an outsider you could have guessed it. It’s much more about stabilising the whole team at the moment and getting Max Verstappen back into it properly. Red Bull Racing is currently in a downward spiral. Now the goal should be to rebuild the team properly.”
—Gerhard Berger, Former F1 Driver
Johnny Herbert Warns of Risks for Kimi Antonelli as Verstappen’s Potential Teammate
Johnny Herbert, another ex-Formula 1 racer, has voiced concerns about the potential impact Max Verstappen could have on young driver Kimi Antonelli if they become teammates, particularly at Mercedes. In a discussion with Escapist Magazine, Herbert compared Verstappen’s dominance to legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Fernando Alonso.
Herbert pointed out that while Antonelli might gain valuable experience from racing alongside Verstappen, the pressure and challenge may severely hinder the Italian’s career, as has happened with previous Red Bull juniors such as Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Yuki Tsunoda. The intensity of competing against Verstappen’s performance level is a significant risk factor.
“Antonelli could learn from Verstappen, but that was always the argument you could make with Albon, Gasly, or even Tsunoda. They don’t do it. They can’t. They get completely crushed. There’s a chance that Antonelli will be crushed. That can happen when you compete against drivers like Schumacher, Senna, Fernando [Alonso], and now Max.
“The difference is, sometimes you have a teammate you can beat occasionally. Then comes a top driver, who essentially does mega pole laps, like Max did at Silverstone. That’s the difference with Antonelli. George leads the team, if you want to describe it that way. Kimi can learn, but that’s a risk. I think his personality hasn’t emerged yet. He seems like a very nice guy. Is he a George with something in him that means he could stand up to Max? No.”
—Johnny Herbert, Former F1 Driver
Ongoing Speculation Surrounds Verstappen’s Future Following Horner’s Dismissal
Max Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull remains uncertain, particularly after Horner’s removal as team principal. This development has added to tension arising from sightings of Verstappen’s yacht and plane in Sardinia, where Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s yacht was also spotted. These coincidences have fueled rumours of secret discussions between Verstappen and Wolff on the Italian island, potentially signaling continued negotiations about Verstappen’s future.
Despite these swirling reports, Red Bull’s decision to sack Horner signals a dramatic shakeup within the team. The move may be an attempt to reorganize and retain Verstappen amid the rising threat of losing him to Mercedes, which has been actively courting the reigning world champion.
Significance of the Red Bull Leadership Change and Verstappen’s Position
The alleged influence of Max Verstappen’s camp on Christian Horner’s sacking marks a rare instance of a driver’s team reportedly shaping a top-tier Formula 1 team’s leadership. Horner’s sudden exit after years at Red Bull disrupts the team’s stability during a time of performance struggles, as noted by Gerhard Berger. The focus now turns to whether Red Bull can rebuild effectively to support Verstappen’s ambitions.
Simultaneously, the suggestion that Verstappen may soon partner with Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes introduces questions about how his dominance could affect a younger driver’s development. Johnny Herbert’s comparison to previous teammates who faltered under Verstappen’s shadow highlights the challenges ahead for any driver sharing a garage with him.
The unfolding situation reflects deep uncertainty within Red Bull and the broader F1 landscape, with Verstappen’s loyalty and career trajectory becoming key issues. The decisions made in the coming months could significantly reshape team dynamics and championship battles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Verstappen and Piquet have announced the birth of their daughter, Lily. Before the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, they shared they were expecting a child. Lily now joins Piquet’s other daughter, Penelope, as her younger sister.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. Kelly Piquet, his partner, is the daughter of past world champion Nelson Piquet. She has a daughter, Penelope, from her past relationship with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
Verstappen has developed a strong bond with Penelope. He recently mentioned this relationship when asked if being a father might affect his racing performance.
