Christian Horner, who has led Red Bull Racing since the company acquired the struggling Jaguar F1 team, faced growing dissatisfaction from Max Verstappen’s camp due to his overwhelming control over the team. Reports suggest that the Dutch driver’s close circle became frustrated with Horner’s dominance, which contributed to escalating conflicts leading to Horner’s eventual exit from the Milton Keynes headquarters.

Horner had been a trusted confidant of the team’s founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, whose death in 2022 led to transitions in ownership and leadership under Oliver Mintzlaff and Thai investors, reshaping the power structure at Red Bull.

Rifts Deepen Amid Declining Team Performance and Leadership Struggles

Following allegations of misconduct against Horner last year, the Thai investors continued to support his leadership owing to the team’s previous victories. However, tensions grew, particularly with Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, as the team’s results began to falter in 2025. Horner’s reluctance to share or relinquish his authority intensified internal divisions amid the team’s declining competitiveness.

According to Auto Motor Und Sport, it was Verstappen’s allies who pushed to diminish Horner’s control, viewing his concentrated power as a major obstacle. This internal pressure ultimately led to Horner’s removal from Red Bull.

Verstappen Camp Responds to Horner’s Departure from Red Bull

Although Max Verstappen has not publicly commented on Horner’s departure, he remains aware of the unfolding situation within the team. Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen’s manager, spoke to De Telegraaf about the decision, saying,

“We were informed in advance by Red Bull’s management that this decision had been made. It’s up to Red Bull to provide further explanation regarding the reasons. We continue to look at the sporting side and are looking for more performance so we can return to the top. In that respect, nothing will change.”

—Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen’s Manager

Vermeulen’s remarks emphasize the team’s focus on regaining competitiveness despite the upheaval in leadership.

New Leadership to Take Charge Ahead of Critical F1 Races

Christian Horner’s exit marks the arrival of a new era for Red Bull Racing, as Laurent Mekies steps into the role of team principal—the first new head since the team was formed in 2005. Alan Permane replaces Mekies at Racing Bulls, signaling a broader reshuffle in senior management. These changes come just before the highly anticipated F1 race in Belgium, a significant event as it is Max Verstappen’s home race, where the team will face intense pressure to perform.

Implications of Leadership Changes for Red Bull and Verstappen’s Prospects

The power struggle and subsequent leadership turnover at Red Bull highlight the challenges the team faces amid a downturn in success. The new management will be tasked with stabilizing the internal environment and addressing performance issues to maintain Red Bull’s competitiveness in Formula 1. For Max Verstappen and his camp, these changes could either reinforce their influence or further complicate the team’s dynamics as they seek to regain their dominant position on the track.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s baby daughter?

A. Max Verstappen has become a father! The Formula One racer, who is 27 years old, had his first child, a daughter named Lily, with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet. They shared this joyful update together on Instagram.

Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?

A. “She’s awesome.” In 2025, Penelope became an older sister when Piquet and Verstappen had their first child, a daughter named Lily. From her favorite activities to her close relationship with Max Verstappen, this covers all about Kelly Piquet’s daughter, Penelope.

Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend’s baby daddy?

A. In July 2019, Piquet had a daughter named Penelope with F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, whom she was dating then. The day after Penelope’s birth, Kvyat achieved his first podium finish in three years by placing third at the German Grand Prix. He dedicated his accomplishment in that race to Piquet and their newborn daughter.