Following Christian Horner’s Sacking, Verstappen Confirms He Won’t R…read more
Following the sudden dismissal of Christian Horner as Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen has issued a pointed public statement, confirming that he will no longer remain silent as turmoil continues to unfold within the team.
Horner’s departure, announced earlier this week, brings an end to his 20-year leadership at Red Bull—an era that yielded six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles. However, the team’s decline in competitiveness during the 2025 season, alongside mounting internal disagreements and the exit of key personnel such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, appears to have prompted Red Bull’s senior stakeholders to take decisive action.
In response, Verstappen took to social media, writing:
“There are moments when silence is no longer an option. Everything that’s happened behind the scenes matters. Loyalty isn’t blind.”
Though the statement stops short of indicating any immediate move away from Red Bull, it reflects growing unease from the reigning world champion, who has been closely aligned with Horner throughout his career. Verstappen’s reaction is seen by many as a signal that his trust in the current leadership may be eroding.
While Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, reports suggest his deal includes performance-based clauses that could allow for an early departure—potentially opening the door for a future move to Mercedes or another rival team.
To stabilise the situation, Red Bull has appointed Laurent Mekies, former Ferrari Deputy Team Principal and current Racing Bulls boss, to replace Horner with immediate effect. Mekies is set to lead the team into the next round at the Belgian Grand Prix, where attention will now shift to Verstappen’s demeanour and public stance during race weekend activities.
As uncertainty continues to surround Red Bull’s internal dynamics, Verstappen’s decision to speak out marks a significant development in what could become a major turning point for both the driver and the team’s future direction.
