This weekend in Belgium, Max Verstappen is set to race for Red Bull for the first time without Christian Horner, following his dismissal. The Dutch world champion addressed Horner’s departure on Thursday in Spa, emphasizing that he was not involved in the decision-making process.
Verstappen believes that Red Bull’s achievements under Horner will not be quickly forgotten. “These are twenty years that are appreciated, and for me personally, the ten or eleven years that I have been part of Red Bull Racing.” The Dutchman also discussed his relationship with Horner. “The relationship between Christian and me does not change. Of course, he is not here during a race weekend now, but I have been in contact with him.”
According to Verstappen, the decision to change course with Horner’s dismissal lies entirely with Red Bull’s leadership. “In the end, the management and of course the shareholders decided they wanted a change. They run the team and I am the driver, so whatever they decide: it is entirely their right to do so. And that’s how it went.”
The four-time world champion continued: “Looking back on those 20 years of Red Bull, we’ve had many great years, with beautiful results. Of course, there are also years when things don’t go as well, and I think the past year and a half have not gone as we would have liked. The management decided they wanted to take a different course. You accept that as a team and then you have to move on.”
