F1 News: Max Verstappen manager demands Red Bull answers over Christian Horner firing

Max Verstappen and Christian Horner — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

Verstappen manager demands Red Bull answers over Horner firing

Max Verstappen's close team are looking to Red Bull after their F1 reshuffle

Kerry Violet F1 News Editor

F1 editor and journalist covering motorsport since 2024.

Friday 11 July 2025 17:00

Max Verstappen's manager has told Red Bull that answers will be expected over their shock firing of F1 boss Christian Horner.

The now-ex team principal had led the team since its inception in 2005, collecting 14 championships between the drivers' and constructors' titles before his abrupt departure this week.

Verstappen's future is arguably now more up in the air than ever before as rumours swirl over the reason for Horner's dismissal and whether Red Bull's star driver, his manager or his father had anything to do with the change in management.

Following the news that Horner had been dropped as Red Bull CEO and team principal with immediate effect, Vermeulen issued a brief statement.

"We had been informed in advance by Red Bull's management that this decision had been taken."

"It is up to Red Bull to give a further explanation, as to the rationale. We continue to look at the sporting side and are looking for more performance so that we can return to the top. In that respect, nothing will change," he declared.

Did the Verstappen's play a role in Horner's F1 exit?

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However, Sky F1's Martin Brundle is among the pundits speculating that Verstappen's team did play a role in having Horner removed from his job with Red Bull after a tumultuous year.

Both on and off the track, Horner faced difficulties, with his F1 team sitting fourth in the constructors' standings halfway through the 2025 season.

Rivals McLaren look set to claim their second consecutive title in the team standings, now 238 points clear of second-place Ferrari.

So, with the papaya outfit settling in as the new top team, perhaps Red Bull simply decided a change was overdue?

Alternatively, there could be truth to claims from Germany that Team Verstappen wanted Horner to either leave or have his powers reduced, but either way, it looks as if Vermeulen won't be adding fuel to the fire on the topic anytime soon.

NASCAR Red Bull Max Verstappen F1 Christian Horner