Christian Horner: Max Verstappen and Jos not responsible for Red Bull’s F1 departure
Christian Horner does not think that Max Verstappen or his father Jos were involved in his dismissal from Red Bull last year.
The long-serving team principal was removed from his position in July last year in an unexpected decision.
This change followed a prolonged period of tension behind the scenes — Horner had a widely reported conflict with four-time world champion Verstappen’s father Jos, which at one point led the former Dutch racer to completely avoid the Formula 1 paddock.
Horner also had disagreements with long-time Red Bull racing advisor Helmut Marko, who has since departed from the team.
In the latest season of Netflix’s popular series Drive to Survive, set to premiere on Feb. 27, Horner has refuted the claim that his conflict with Jos Verstappen contributed to his departure.
“[Max] father has never been my biggest fan,” Horner states in the documentary at one point.
“He has been vocal about me, but I do not believe that the Verstappens were responsible in any capacity.”
Horner’s rapid exit represented a significant shift behind the scenes, as he had been at the helm since the team’s formation in 2005.
A complex and broader political struggle had been unfolding behind the scenes.
The passing of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 initiated a power struggle, with Horner maintaining the support of the Thai family that owns 51% of the company.
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It became evident last year that the Austrian side of the business, managed by Mateschitz’s son Mark and which controls the remaining 49%, had grown increasingly dissatisfied with the authority Horner held as CEO of the racing team.
Horner’s position allowed him to oversee both racing and commercial aspects, which he believes ultimately influenced the decision.
“It was all rather sudden. I didn’t really get the chance to say a proper goodbye,” Horner remarked. “I think this was a decision made by [Red Bull executive] Oliver Mintzlaff with Helmut advising from the sidelines.
“I think ultimately things changed within the business, within the group. The founder passed away, and after Dietrich’s death, I think I was probably seen as having too much control.”
Source: espn.com
