Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says Max Verstappen and his family were not responsible for his departure from the Formula One team in 2025, rejecting speculation that internal pressure linked to the reigning champion influenced the decision.
Speaking publicly for the first time, Horner acknowledged tensions with Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, but said he did not believe the driver’s camp played any role in his dismissal after nearly two decades leading the team. Horner instead attributed his sudden exit to senior Red Bull leadership, saying the decision was made by managing director Oliver Mintzlaff with advice from motorsport consultant Helmut Marko, amid wider organisational changes following founder Dietrich Mateschitz’s death.
His departure followed an 18-month period of controversy and internal instability, despite Horner being cleared twice of sexual harassment allegations, ending a tenure that delivered eight drivers’ and six constructors’ world championships.
What next for Horner?