Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium – July 30, 2025
In a stunning turn of events at the Belgian Grand Prix, former Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner made an unexpected appearance in the paddock, just weeks after his dramatic dismissal from the team he led for two decades. His presence, coupled with comments about Max Verstappen’s race performance, sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, prompting an immediate and fiery 11-word retort from Max’s father, Jos Verstappen. The incident has reignited tensions within the Red Bull camp and fueled speculation about Max Verstappen’s future with the team.
Horner’s sacking on July 9, 2025, was a seismic moment in Formula 1, ending his 20-year tenure as Red Bull’s team principal and CEO. The decision came amid a turbulent 18 months, marked by allegations of inappropriate behavior in 2024, which Horner denied and was cleared of through internal and external investigations. Red Bull’s declining performance in 2025, coupled with reported friction between Horner and Jos Verstappen, was widely cited as a factor in his exit. Laurent Mekies, previously of Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls, stepped into the role, debuting as team principal at the Belgian GP.
Yet, Horner’s surprise appearance at Spa-Francorchamps, his first since the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix without an official Red Bull role, caught everyone off guard. Sources indicate Horner attended as a guest of a sponsor, leveraging his long-standing connections in the sport. Dressed in civilian attire rather than Red Bull branding, he was spotted in the hospitality area, engaging with media and former colleagues. His presence alone was enough to spark whispers, but it was his comments on Max Verstappen’s race that set the stage for the day’s drama.
Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time world champion, started the Belgian GP from pole but finished fourth, a result he described as “disappointing” due to ongoing issues with the RB21 car’s handling. Horner, speaking to a small group of reporters, praised Verstappen’s “grit and talent” but suggested the team’s strategy under new leadership “lacked the precision we honed over the years.” He added, “Max is carrying this team, but he can’t do it alone forever.” The remarks were perceived as a subtle jab at Mekies and Red Bull’s current management, intensifying the spotlight on the team’s struggles. Red Bull sits fourth in the constructors’ standings, trailing McLaren, who are poised to claim the 2025 title.
Jos Verstappen, known for his outspoken criticism of Horner, was quick to respond. In a heated exchange captured by Sky Sports F1 during the post-race grid walk, Jos confronted Horner’s comments with a pointed 11-word statement: “You’re gone, Christian. Stop meddling and let Max race in peace.” The blunt response underscored the deep rift between the two, which has simmered since 2024 when Jos publicly called for Horner’s resignation, warning that Red Bull would “explode” if he remained.
The Verstappen camp, including Max, Jos, and manager Raymond Vermeulen, has been at the heart of Red Bull’s internal power struggles. Speculation about Max’s future has intensified, with rumors linking him to Mercedes, particularly as his contract includes a clause allowing him to leave if he falls below third in the drivers’ championship after the Hungarian Grand Prix. Currently, Max is 18 points ahead of fourth-placed George Russell, making the clause’s activation unlikely but not impossible. His reported frustration with Red Bull’s 2025 performance, coupled with key departures like design genius Adrian Newey to Aston Martin, has fueled uncertainty.
Max Verstappen, however, downplayed the drama in his media session, focusing on performance rather than politics. “I’m here to race, not to talk about Christian or anyone else,” he said. “The car isn’t where we need it, and that’s what matters.” When pressed about Horner’s appearance, he added, “It’s a free country; he can be here. Doesn’t change my job.” Verstappen’s measured response contrasted with his father’s fiery outburst, highlighting the delicate balance he maintains amid the team’s turmoil.
Pundits were quick to weigh in. Sky F1’s Martin Brundle suggested the Verstappen camp’s influence was undeniable, noting, “Jos has been a de facto power broker at Red Bull since last year. Christian’s exit was no surprise, but his showing up here? That’s poking the bear.” Nico Rosberg, the 2016 world champion, added, “Jos is protecting Max’s interests, but this public spat doesn’t help the team’s focus.”
Horner’s appearance raises questions about his next move. With a contract reportedly extending to 2030, his severance negotiations with Red Bull are ongoing, and his future in F1 remains uncertain. Some speculate he could join another team, though his controversial exit and unresolved allegations pose reputational risks. For now, Horner remained defiant, telling reporters, “I’ve given 20 years to Red Bull, and I’ll always support Max’s talent, whether I’m in the paddock or not.”
For Red Bull, the focus now shifts to Mekies, who faces the daunting task of stabilizing a team in transition. With the 2026 regulation changes looming, including Red Bull’s new engine partnership with Ford, the pressure is on to deliver a competitive car to keep Verstappen, their star asset, committed. Martin Brundle remarked, “This is about showing Max they’re serious about winning again. Sacking Horner was a gamble, but it’s meaningless if the car doesn’t improve.”
As the F1 circus heads into the summer break, the Belgian GP has left more questions than answers. Will Horner’s shadow continue to loom over Red Bull? Can Mekies unify the team and restore its dominance? And most crucially, will Max Verstappen stay loyal to the team that made him a champion, or is a blockbuster move to Mercedes on the horizon? Jos Verstappen’s 11 words may have been aimed at Horner, but they echo the uncertainty gripping Red Bull as they navigate this turbulent chapter in their storied history.
