Gerhard Berger has suggested that the Max Verstappen camp may have played a significant role in the recent dismissal of Christian Horner as Red Bull’s team principal and CEO. Speaking in June 2024, Berger indicated that this strategic move could have been aimed at securing the loyalty of the current Formula 1 world champion amid swirling rumours about Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull for Mercedes.
Speculation has intensified as reports emerged that Verstappen’s representatives allegedly demanded Horner’s removal as a condition for the driver to remain with the Milton Keynes outfit. The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future, coupled with Horner’s sudden exit, has created tension within the team and raised questions about Red Bull’s upcoming trajectory in the sport.
Berger Highlights Verstappen’s Possible Role in Leadership Change
Gerhard Berger, a former Austrian Formula 1 driver, shared his perspective on the reasons behind Horner’s sacking in an interview with Krone Zeitung. Berger pointed out that the relationship between Verstappen’s camp and Christian Horner was reportedly strained, which may have influenced the decision to remove the long-time team principal.
Berger stressed the importance of stabilizing Red Bull’s internal environment, stating that securing Verstappen’s position was a key priority for the team’s future. He expressed concern over Red Bull’s current performance decline and emphasized the need for a comprehensive rebuild to restore competitiveness.
“That could certainly have been one of the factors that tipped the scales. Because as we know, the Verstappens and Horner were not the best of friends. I do think Max will stay at Red Bull. You could see it was going this way at Red Bull Racing. If Horner was really surprised, that’s a bad sign, because even as an outsider you could have guessed it. It’s much more about stabilising the whole team at the moment and getting Max Verstappen back into it properly. Red Bull Racing is currently in a downward spiral. Now the goal should be to rebuild the team properly.” —Gerhard Berger, Former F1 Driver
Potential Impact of Verstappen on New Teammates at Mercedes
Johnny Herbert, another ex-Formula 1 racer, warned about the challenges Max Verstappen could present to any teammate, particularly if Verstappen moves to Mercedes as speculated. In an interview with Escapist Magazine, Herbert compared Verstappen’s competitive influence to legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Fernando Alonso, suggesting that Verstappen’s presence can overshadow and diminish his colleagues.
Herbert specifically referenced young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli, who is often mentioned as a potential Mercedes teammate for Verstappen. He expressed doubts regarding Antonelli’s ability to withstand the pressure of competing alongside such a dominant champion at this stage in his career.
“Antonelli could learn from Verstappen, but that was always the argument you could make with Albon, Gasly, or even Tsunoda. They don’t do it. They can’t. They get completely crushed. There’s a chance that Antonelli will be crushed. That can happen when you compete against drivers like Schumacher, Senna, Fernando [Alonso], and now Max.” —Johnny Herbert, Former F1 Driver
“The difference is, sometimes you have a teammate you can beat occasionally. Then comes a top driver, who essentially does mega pole laps, like Max did at Silverstone. That’s the difference with Antonelli. George leads the team, if you want to describe it that way. Kimi can learn, but that’s a risk. I think his personality hasn’t emerged yet. He seems like a very nice guy. Is he a George with something in him that means he could stand up to Max? No.” —Johnny Herbert, Former F1 Driver
Fresh Rumours Surround Verstappen’s Future and Red Bull’s Stability
Recent sightings of Max Verstappen’s yacht and private plane near Sardinia have fueled further speculation about a potential meeting with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. This has reignited talk of Verstappen considering a change from Red Bull despite the leadership reshuffle.
Ralf Schumacher had initially hinted at the possibility of a confidential Wolff-Verstappen discussion following the British Grand Prix, and the current locations of their yachts near this Italian island add weight to such rumours. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s dismissal of Christian Horner marks a significant shift within the team’s management, but questions remain about how this will affect Verstappen’s future loyalty.
As Red Bull enters this uncertain phase, the sporting world watches closely to see if the reigning world champion remains committed or opts for a move, which could reshape Formula 1’s competitive landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have shared the happy news of their baby daughter’s arrival, named Lily. They had announced they were expecting right before the final race of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi. Lily joins her older sister, Penelope, who is Piquet’s daughter from a previous relationship.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. Max Verstappen is in a relationship with Kelly Piquet, who is the daughter of former world champion Nelson Piquet. Kelly has a daughter named Penelope from her past relationship with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Verstappen has developed a strong bond with Penelope. He recently mentioned this close relationship when questioned if becoming a father might affect his performance in racing.