Max Verstappen continues to maintain close contact with former Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, as he revealed during the race weekend in Qatar. The Dutchman reflected on his collaboration with the Brit and his dismissal after the GP of Silverstone. In recent months, Horner has been increasingly linked with a return to another team, something that would not surprise Verstappen.
After a period of little sporting success, Christian Horner was dismissed by Red Bull in July. The Brit was instrumental in the formation of the Austrian racing team and wielded the scepter in Milton Keynes for over twenty years. However, he increasingly came under fire over the past two years. A scandal involving allegations of inappropriate behavior put his position at risk, as did internal political tensions within the company. The situation has since calmed down, partly thanks to the arrival of team boss Laurent Mekies.
Red Bull star driver Max Verstappen still regularly speaks with Christian Horner, as he revealed during the race weekend in Qatar. News agency PA asked him if he still has contact with the Brit. “Yes, every race weekend,” he replied. “He messages me about all sorts of things; about how the race went, but also just about life. So we still have very good contact, absolutely.” Verstappen emphasized that Horner’s role within Red Bull should not be underestimated. “It’s very important to acknowledge what Christian has meant for this team and what we have all experienced together,” he added. “That first title in 2021, the rollercoaster of that year, and the emotions of the last race in Abu Dhabi. Those are things you never forget.”
‘Formula 1 is too friendly without Horner’
This year, the collaboration between Horner and Max Verstappen was forcibly ended. “The problem we had was that everything was happening,” explained the Dutch driver. “We lost our way with the car and that didn’t help to keep everything under control and stay calm. As a result, many people left.” The departure of Adrian Newey was perhaps the biggest loss for Red Bull. Reportedly, the turmoil around Horner was one of the reasons the top designer packed his bags.
Red Bull has since got its management back on track, Verstappen confirmed. “The new team boss and the fact that we suddenly got a grip on the car brought a lot of calm,” he said. “Everyone had a bit more self-confidence and that had a calming effect.” When asked about a possible return of Horner to Formula 1, Verstappen responded: “That wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t talk to Christian about it because I don’t want to interfere.” The four-time world champion believes that a fighter like Horner is good for the sport. “For us, it wasn’t always good, but for the Formula 1 world, it was always fun to see how he stood up to Toto (Wolff) or anyone else. Now everyone is too friendly,” he concluded with a laugh.
