What Happened Between Verstappen & Horner Before Red Bull Sacking

Max Verstappen's influence prompted a major shift at Red Bull as Christian Horner was sacked, prompting considerations for punters about Verstappen's future performance with a new team principal and potential improvement in Red Bull's results, which could sway betting odds in upcoming races.

Max Verstappen took to social media on Wednesday afternoon to pay a public tribute to Christian Horner in the wake of the 51-year-old's sacking after 20 years as Red Bull team principal. The four-time world champion was quick to praise Horner for all that they had achieved together with the Austrian side.

However, reports suggest that the 27-year-old had far more to do with Horner's exit than he may admit. Even before Horner was given his marching orders, relations between him and Red Bull's top driver were strained. While Max typically has tried to stay neutral whenever the topic of Horner's leadership was mentioned, his father, Jos Verstappen, was far less diplomatic.

Jos had openly pushed for Horner to be replaced, threatening that his son would leave if there wasn't a change in leadership. Reports linking Max with a move to Mercedes were assumed by many to have come from Verstappen Sr.

Max Verstappen's 2025 results so far (as of 10/07/25)

Grand Prix Position Points scored Australian GP 2nd 18 Chinese GP 4th 12 Japanese GP 1st 25 Bahrain GP 6th 8 Saudi Arabian GP 2nd 18 Miami GP 4th 12 Emilia-Romagna GP 1st 25 Monaco GP 4th 12 Spanish GP 10th 1 Canadian GP 2nd 18 Austrian GP DNF 0 British GP 5th 10

Max Verstappen's Furious 'Showdown' With Red Bull Shortly Before Horner's Sacking

However, a report from Motorsport Italy confirmed that Max was just as unhappy with the situation as his father. The outlet stated that the issues between Max and Horner were "never resolved" fully. As a result of the breakdown in their relationship, Verstappen reportedly demanded that either Horner be let go or that his power be reduced within the Red Bull set-up.

Horner seemingly refused any attempts to restructure the management of the team during the British Grand Prix weekend. Apparently enraged by Horner's stubbornness, Max took the decision to escalate matters to Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. In what was described as a 'final showdown', Verstappen demanded that a new team principal be appointed, or he would walk away from the team.

Verstappen was said to have used reports linking him with a move to the Silver Arrows as leverage in the discussions, while also citing Red Bull's dismal current form as a reason why Horner needed to be axed. The full timeline of events has been made public.

At present, Red Bull sit a massive 288 points adrift of leaders McLaren in the Constructors' Championship, while Verstappen himself trails Drivers' Championship pacesetter, Oscar Piastri by 66 points. Neither prize looks likely to be attainable for Red Bull, despite there being half of the season left to go. Having struggled badly in his Red Bull car so far this term, Verstappen has won just two races, with limited backup from the team's second seat.

Verstappen began the season partnered by Liam Lawson, before Yuki Tsunoda was drafted in as a replacement. The Japanese driver has noticeably struggled since making the switch from Racing Bulls, finishing last in his most recent two races.

Whether Verstappen's demand that Horner be sacked was the deciding factor in the decision to move on from the only team principal Red Bull has had in its history may never be known. However, the veteran boss certainly didn't have the support of his star driver - despite public appearances.

The pair had great success together, with Verstappen becoming a multiple-time world champion under Horner's leadership. Their past shared glory, though, couldn't withstand such a dismal first half of the season - and Horner has paid for that poor form with his job. There was a lot more to the decision than poor performances on the track...

What happened between Verstappen & Red Bull just days before Horner sacking looks interesting now

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