Max Verstappen shared his thoughts on the recent departure of Christian Horner as team principal of Red Bull Racing after two decades. When asked if he was surprised by the move, Verstappen acknowledged the unpredictability of the sport: “At the end of the day, in this world, things like that, they can happen.” He noted that communication with the team regarding the decision was thoughtful, emphasizing, “You can decide, and this is how we’re going to do it.”
Following Horner’s exit, reports indicated that morale at the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes was initially shaken. However, Verstappen expressed a positive outlook, stating, “It’s been good… luckily also, I think basically the day after the announcement, I was at the factory doing my simulator stuff. You just go back to work.” He highlighted the importance of focusing on performance and car setup, underscoring the commitment to their goals.
Verstappen also reflected on previous tensions between Horner and his father, Jos Verstappen, which were further complicated by serious allegations against Horner that have since been dismissed by internal investigations. While acknowledging that differing opinions can lead to conflict, Verstappen emphasized that such dynamics are normal and necessary for progress, suggesting, “If everyone always agrees there is a problem.”
This shift in leadership at Red Bull Racing represents not just a significant change for the team, but also an opportunity for new direction and growth as they look to maintain their competitive edge in Formula 1.