Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s standout driver, revealed that he maintains regular weekly communication with former team principal Christian Horner, following Horner’s recent departure from the team. The revelation comes as Red Bull experiences a notable resurgence in performance, adding layers of intrigue about the ongoing connection between Verstappen and Horner, a topic central to understanding the dynamics between Max Verstappen and Christian Horner contact.
Red Bull’s 2025 Formula 1 season was marked by numerous challenges and fluctuating results, as the team struggled to uphold the dominance achieved during the ground-effect era. Verstappen delivered impressive finishes, yet the team environment in Milton Keynes became increasingly turbulent amid Christian Horner’s leadership. Horner, a fixture at Red Bull for over two decades, faced mounting internal pressures including personal controversies and power struggles, notably with Helmut Marko. This ultimately led to Horner’s termination, followed by Marko’s departure at the season’s end.
Continuing the Relationship After Horner’s Exit
Despite the difficult internal politics and Horner’s abrupt firing, Verstappen disclosed that he never severed communication with the Englishman. Horner had been a key supporter of Verstappen, often showing immense faith in the Dutchman’s abilities. Throughout Horner’s tenure, his support sometimes prompted criticism, particularly as second drivers at Red Bull struggled to thrive during Verstappen’s ascendancy. Yet the bond between Horner and Verstappen remained strong, even after Horner’s exit.
According to Verstappen, Horner continues to send him messages every race weekend. Horner’s familiarity with the team’s personnel—having led the squad for more than twenty years—was also referenced by Verstappen as an important reason why their communication endures.
“Every week, every race. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday and usually via text message. But also on holiday, for example. Every week. Of course he knows everyone in the team, but it’s more about ‘I wish you good luck’ and ‘I believe in you’ – biggest fan.You know, all that kind of stuff and outside of that, of course, you talk about things other than racing too. Yes, every week. Every race weekend. Even after his contact.
Max Verstappen told Viaplay.”
Verstappen emphasized that their conversations now extend beyond racing matters alone, reflecting a broader personal rapport that persists even in Horner’s absence from the Red Bull garage. The Dutchman’s openness about this continued relationship underscores the personal bonds often forged within a high-pressure sport like Formula 1.
Red Bull Finds Renewed Success Under New Management
Though Christian Horner’s leadership was instrumental in establishing Red Bull’s success in modern Formula 1, the energy drink-backed team experienced systemic struggles in his later years. Red Bull notably struggled to find consistent performance from their second driver, and even Verstappen’s form dipped as Horner’s time with the team drew to a close.
Following the leadership transition to Laurent Mekies, Verstappen has publicly stated that Red Bull’s environment feels dramatically improved. The morale at Milton Keynes has been revitalized, with Verstappen observing a renewed sense of confidence and harmony among Red Bull’s staff. He expressed that the team’s traditional spirit, once “lost or gone,” had now returned.
“The team is doing well, We have a lot of confidence. You see people smiling, it’s a nice environment, everyone gets along well and we missed that at one point. The Red Bull style was a bit lost or gone. Yes, and that has definitely returned.
Max Verstappen noted.”
Verstappen’s commentary reflects a combination of loyalty to Horner and pragmatism about Red Bull’s current competitive standing. While he remains personally close to Horner, Verstappen is clear-eyed about the team’s improved fortunes under new management, with a stronger sense of unity and satisfaction reported within the factory and on track.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Uncertainties
With the 2026 Formula 1 regulations looming, Red Bull faces significant technical and strategic challenges on the horizon. Their impending partnership with Ford to supply powertrains for the next generation of cars introduces uncertainty, with questions about how the team and its cast of key figures, including Verstappen, will adapt. The high confidence currently enjoyed in the squad could be tested as new rules and engineering demands come into play.
Despite the obstacles ahead, Verstappen is expected to continue as Red Bull’s driving force, relying on his own determination and the support of those around him, including the ongoing encouragement from Christian Horner, as highlighted by Verstappen’s remarks to Viaplay. The evolving relationship between Verstappen, Horner, and Red Bull’s reshaped leadership remains a focal point as the team navigates the next era of Formula 1 competition.
As fans and rivals alike watch for Red Bull’s response to these changes, Verstappen’s revelations about his personal connection with Horner offer insight into the enduring relationships that shape success on and off the circuit, showing that history, loyalty, and the bonds between driver and principal continue to matter as Formula 1 moves forward.
