Max Verstappen reveals weekly contact with sacked boss Christian Horner during title fight

Max Verstappen has disclosed that he maintained weekly contact with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner throughout the final phase of the 2025 Formula 1 season, despite Horner's mid-season dismissal. The four-time champion revealed the pair exchanged messages before every session during the final nine races, as Verstappen mounted a stunning comeback that nearly secured a fifth title.

Why it matters:

The revelation highlights the enduring personal bond between driver and former boss, transcending the corporate decision to part ways. It underscores how key relationships within F1 teams can persist through major structural upheavals, influencing a driver's mental state and performance during a high-pressure championship battle. Verstappen's near-miss comeback, fueled in part by this support system, adds a poignant human layer to the season's narrative.

The details:

• Horner was dismissed by Red Bull in July following the British Grand Prix, at which point Verstappen trailed championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points.
• Verstappen described the difficulty of the separation, citing their shared history and pivotal moments, notably the 2021 title fight: "You've built up a bond with Christian and achieved so much together... Christian ultimately went through fire for me."
• Contact remained consistent and frequent. "Every week, during every race on Friday, Saturday and Sunday," Verstappen stated, noting messages of support and belief from Horner.
• Their conversations extended beyond racing, covering personal topics and their shared experiences, continuing "even after his dismissal."
• Despite the team's improved performance under new boss Laurent Mekies—yielding six wins from the final nine races—Verstappen was careful not to diminish Horner's legacy, acknowledging his crucial role in building the championship-winning team.

The big picture:

Verstappen's comments paint a picture of a complex team dynamic where professional changes do not erase deep personal loyalties. His 104-point deficit after Zandvoort transformed into a two-point final margin to champion Lando Norris, one of the most remarkable charges in recent F1 history. This story illustrates that success in Formula 1 is driven not only by car performance and strategy but also by the strength of human connections that endure beyond the pit wall.