🚨 Verstappen Reflects on “Incredible Successes” and Thanks Horner After Red Bull F1 Boss Exit
Max Verstappen publicly acknowledged the end of an era at Red Bull Racing after the shock dismissal of team principal and CEO Christian Horner on 9 July 2025. The Dutch World Champion took to social media to pay tribute to a partnership that defined recent F1 history.
🏁 A Storied Partnership Comes to an End
-
Verstappen’s Social Message: In a heartfelt post, Verstappen wrote:
“From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian.” Vox+15PlanetF1+15The Guardian+15AS+1PlanetF1+1
-
Their collaboration included Red Bull’s explosive era in the early 2020s, with Verstappen securing four consecutive Drivers' Championships (2021–2024) under Horner’s guidance. Formula 1+2PlanetF1+2f1grandprix.motorionline.com+2
📉 Context: Horner’s Sudden Dismissal
-
Twenty years at the helm: Horner joined Red Bull in 2005, steering them to eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ crowns. Autosport+6AS+6The Guardian+6
-
Turbulent buildup: His firing came amid declining performance—Red Bull temporarily slipped to fourth in the Constructors' standings—and internal strife, including staff resignations and allegations of inappropriate conduct in early 2024. Formula 1+12AS+12Talksport+12
-
Immediate reaction: Oliver Mintzlaff of Red Bull credited Horner for building the team’s global dominance while announcing Laurent Mekies as the new CEO. Motorsport+15AS+15The Sun+15
🤝 Verstappen’s Reaction: Gratitude Amid Uncertainty
-
Respect and unity: Despite pressures from external investigations and family dynamics (his father, Jos, had criticized Horner earlier), Verstappen described team morale as “better than ever,” emphasizing internal resolution over public conflicts. Goodwood+4f1grandprix.motorionline.com+4The Guardian+4
-
Trust factor: Though remaining focused on performance, Verstappen “trusts the process” and affirmed Horner’s significance in his career trajectory. AS+15ESPN Afrique+15f1grandprix.motorionline.com+15
🔮 What's Next for Red Bull and Verstappen
-
Leadership shift: Mekies' promotion marks a new chapter—Red Bull must now regroup under fresh management while maintaining strong performance on-track. The Times+7AS+7The Guardian+7
-
Verstappen’s future: With a contract through 2028 but performance clauses possibly influenced by this upheaval, the stability—and appeal—of Red Bull under new leadership may factor into his long-term plans.
✅ Final Take
Max Verstappen’s public gesture of appreciation reveals the depth of his bond with Horner and underscores the professionalism at the core of Red Bull’s operations. As the team enters a post-Horner era, Verstappen’s continued success could hinge on how quickly stability is restored and whether the new leadership can match the legacy left behind.
