Max Verstappen: Christian Horner Is Still My 'Biggest Fan' and We Talk Every Weekend
Even after Christian Horner's firing, Max Verstappen says they speak every race weekend. The four-time champion calls his former boss his "biggest fan," highlighting a bond that transcends team politics.
Despite Christian Horner's high-profile firing as Red Bull team principal, Max Verstappen has revealed their bond remains unbreakable. The four-time champion confirmed he speaks with his former boss "every week, every race," with Horner acting as his personal "biggest fan" from the sidelines. This enduring relationship highlights a deep loyalty forged during their championship-winning years, even as the team navigates a new era under Laurent Mekies.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's loyalty to Horner, despite the corporate decision to fire him, offers a rare glimpse into the personal relationships that drive a team beyond just engineering and strategy. The admission comes after a difficult 2025 season where Red Bull lost its dominance, suggesting the driver is seeking stability and reassurance from the figure with whom he achieved his greatest success. It also subtly raises questions about the dynamic within the current team structure as Red Bull aims to rebuild and challenge for titles again in 2026.
The details:
- The 2025 season was a major downturn for Red Bull, leading to Horner's departure after the team slumped to third in the Constructors' Championship and Verstappen lost the drivers' title by just two points.
- Verstappen confirmed the frequency of their communication: "Every week, every race. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday and usually via text message. But also on holiday."
- The conversations are less about technical strategy and more about moral support. Verstappen described Horner as his "biggest fan," offering encouragement like "I wish you good luck" and "I believe in you."
- The champion emphasized the depth of their bond, forged in the high-pressure 2021 title fight: "Christian really went through fire for me. Those kinds of things are always difficult when you talk to each other on the phone."
Looking ahead:
As Red Bull pushes to reclaim its top spot under new team principal Laurent Mekies, Verstappen appears to be leaning on his trusted former confidant for psychological support. The 2026 season will be a test of whether the team can unify behind its new leadership and translate the driver's motivation back into championship-winning performance. While Horner is no longer in the garage, his influence on the team's star driver clearly remains, adding a fascinating layer to Red Bull's rebuild narrative.