Verstappen: Sacked Red Bull Boss Horner 'Went Through Fire For Me'

Max Verstappen has disclosed that he maintains weekly contact with his former team principal, Christian Horner, following Horner's surprise dismissal from Red Bull midway through the 2025 season. The four-time champion credits Horner as his 'biggest fan' and a pivotal figure who 'went through fire for me' during their most successful campaigns, highlighting a deep personal bond that transcends the team's internal turmoil.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's public loyalty to Horner offers a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics that define a Formula 1 team, often hidden from the public eye. While the team's shareholders opted for a change due to poor results and internal 'unrest,' Verstappen's comments highlight the profound impact a team principal can have on a driver's mentality and success, particularly recalling their tense 2021 title fight.

The details:

• Constant contact: Verstappen says he and Horner text "every week, every race," with messages of support and belief, even after Horner's departure.
• A pivotal figure: The driver emphasized their shared history, stating, "Christian really went through fire for me," a clear reference to their battles during the 2021 championship.
• Reason for the sack: Verstappen acknowledged the decision stemmed from a "limp" start to 2025, which created "a bit of unrest in the team" and prompted shareholders to demand change.
• A renewed atmosphere: The champion admitted that "the Red Bull style had been lost" but has since returned under new team principal Laurent Mekies, with a much-improved team spirit and people smiling again.

Between the lines:

Verstappen's comments are a careful balancing act. He can praise his former boss while simultaneously validating the leadership change that has seemingly revitalized the team's atmosphere. His remarks subtly shift the narrative away from his father Jos's very public criticisms of Horner, framing the relationship as a strong, personal bond. Ultimately, Verstappen appears content with the new era at Red Bull, suggesting the team's internal reset was the necessary move to restore its winning culture.