Verstappen Reveals Ongoing Weekly Contact with Sacked Red Bull Boss Horner
Despite his mid-season dismissal, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner maintains weekly contact with Max Verstappen, offering support and discussing both racing and personal matters.
Max Verstappen has disclosed that he maintains a close, weekly relationship with his former team principal, Christian Horner, despite Horner's surprising dismissal from Red Bull midway through the season. The four-time champion revealed they communicate during every race weekend and even on holidays, with Horner offering continued support. This enduring bond highlights the personal connection forged during their years of shared success, including Verstappen's first title in 2021.
Why it matters:
The ongoing friendship between a driver and a sacked team principal is highly unusual in the cutthroat world of F1. It offers a rare glimpse into the personal relationships that exist behind the scenes, separate from corporate decisions. Horner's continued access to Verstappen could provide him with unique insights into the team's inner workings, while his support may still influence the champion's mindset, even as Red Bull adapts to new leadership under Laurent Mekies.
The details:
- Horner was dismissed in July after 20 years, with the team struggling in fourth place in the constructors' championship, 288 points behind McLaren.
- Verstappen understood the board's decision, citing poor results and "unrest" following personal allegations made against Horner 17 months prior.
- Frequency of Contact: The pair speak every race weekend and during holidays. Verstappen said Horner texts him messages of support like, "I wish you the best of luck, I believe in you. I'm your biggest fan."
- Verstappen's Loyalty: The driver was cautious about linking the team's improved second-half performance to the leadership change, emphasizing Horner's massive contributions and the people he brought to the team who enabled their past success.
Looking Ahead:
The unique relationship between Verstappen and Horner will be a compelling subplot for the 2025 season. As Red Bull aims to reclaim the top spot under new leadership, the continued influence and support from a figure as significant as Horner could be a stabilizing factor for Verstappen. It remains to be seen how this dynamic evolves, but it underscores the deep personal loyalties that can persist even after major professional upheavals in Formula 1.