Max Verstappen continues to speak highly of Christian Horner, indicating their strong bond persists even following Horner’s dismissal as the head of the Red Bull Formula 1 team.
Horner’s exit from the Austrian team in July came as a surprise, given he had been in the position since Red Bull’s entry into F1 in 2005, during which the team achieved remarkable success.
During Horner’s tenure, Red Bull secured a total of 14 world championships, comprising eight for drivers and six for constructors, with six of these being achieved alongside Verstappen, who arrived from the Toro Rosso junior team as an 18-year-old in 2016.
However, in the last year to eighteen months of Horner’s period at the helm, a detrimental atmosphere had taken hold within Red Bull: he was exonerated from accusations of misconduct involving a female staff member, a struggle for control emerged within management after the passing of founder Dietrich Mateschitz, and the team’s standing in the F1 hierarchy had dropped to fourth place.
Consequently, Red Bull’s leadership opted to replace Horner with Laurent Mekies, who was brought over from their associated team, resulting in a notable upturn in performance as Verstappen initiated an unexpected push for the championship, eventually securing second place behind Lando Norris.
“The overall situation within the team was not optimal,” Verstappen disclosed to Viaplay. “Regarding our performance, there was a degree of instability within the squad, and when issues persist for an extended period…ultimately, the stakeholders also desired a transformation, dissatisfied with the prevailing circumstances.
“It’s always challenging. A strong connection has been forged with Christian, and we accomplished so much, particularly in 2021; those experiences are unforgettable. Christian truly stood by me through difficult times. Such conversations over the phone are invariably tough.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing Team Principal
Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images
So, when prompted to confirm if he maintains communication with Horner, the quadruple world champion responded: “Weekly, with every event. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, typically through text messages. But also during vacations, for example. Each week.
“Naturally, he is acquainted with everyone on the squad, but his messages are more along the lines of ‘I wish you success’ and ‘I have faith in you’ – he’s my biggest supporter.
“Considering all we have experienced together. And also, ‘you’re capable of achieving it’. You know, all those kinds of sentiments, and beyond that, we certainly discuss topics unrelated to racing as well. Yes, every week. Every race weekend. Even following his departure.”
Despite Verstappen’s continued favorable remarks about his former leader, he conveyed that the transition was unequivocally the right decision, even if he did not state it explicitly.
“The squad is performing effectively,” remarked the driver with 71 Grand Prix victories. “Our confidence is high. There’s a noticeable cheerfulness, a pleasant atmosphere; everyone cooperates well, and we had lost that sense at one stage. The characteristic Red Bull ethos had somewhat diminished or vanished.”
When the subject of team morale was subsequently raised, Verstappen’s concise reply was: “Indeed, and that has certainly been restored.”
