During the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, faced an uncomfortable interview with former F1 champion Nico Rosberg concerning Christian Horner’s recent sacking. The unexpected firing of Red Bull’s team principal has stirred speculation, especially with ongoing tensions involving Max Verstappen’s camp and the power dynamics within the team.
Christian Horner was abruptly dismissed from his role as Red Bull’s team principal on July 9, 2025, shortly after the British Grand Prix. His dismissal surprised many, including Horner himself, who reported no prior indication of such a decision. Horner had been at the helm since Red Bull’s debut in Formula One in 2005, making his sudden departure notable in the F1 community.
Sources have hinted that Max Verstappen’s entourage, which includes his father Jos, may have influenced Horner’s exit. The tension between Horner and Jos Verstappen reportedly escalated into a heated confrontation during the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix. Additionally, Horner faced accusations of inappropriate behavior by a Red Bull employee in 2024, triggering an internal investigation; however, he was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. Despite this, the incident contributed to a power struggle within the team.
Jos Verstappen had openly expressed his frustration last year, warning about the risk of internal collapse at Red Bull if Horner remained in charge.
“There is tension here while he remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems,” said Max Verstappen’s father after the 2024 Bahrain GP.
Following the 2025 Belgian GP, Nico Rosberg approached Jos Verstappen on the grid to revisit the topic of Horner’s dismissal and Jos’s earlier remarks. The exchange turned awkward as Rosberg pressed Jos about his prior call for Horner’s removal.
“Last year you said Horner needs to go, you said Horner needs to go,” stated Nico Rosberg.
“It was a year ago. It’s different. I have nothing to say,” replied Max Verstappen’s father.
Rosberg then said, “Now you’re quiet.”
“I’m always quiet,” replied Jos Verstappen.
Max Verstappen’s Perspective on Horner’s Departure and Its Impact on His Career
Christian Horner’s dismissal came amid Red Bull’s challenges with car performance and rumors about Max Verstappen’s potential switch to Mercedes in 2026, fueled by talks between Verstappen and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Nevertheless, Verstappen has stated that Horner’s exit will not sway his own plans.
Speaking at the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen emphasized that his focus remains on improving the car’s competitiveness rather than the internal team changes.
“I don’t think it will matter at all for my decision in the future. At the end, the only thing that matters is that we work on the car and make it as fast as we can make it. The last one and a half years have not been where we want to be. Now we try to be more competitive, this year a little bit, but for sure also with the new regulations,” said Verstappen at the Belgian GP, via Sky Sports.
Reports also indicate that Max Verstappen has missed the deadline to activate an exit clause for the 2026 season, which means a move to Mercedes could only happen in 2027. This development adds further uncertainty about Verstappen’s long-term future with Red Bull.
The friction surrounding Horner’s departure reveals deeper struggles within Red Bull’s leadership, with Max Verstappen Horner exit controversy intensifying as the team seeks to maintain stability and competitiveness. How the team resolves these tensions may significantly impact Red Bull’s trajectory in upcoming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. Celebrity Net Worth estimates Verstappen’s wealth to be around $200 million.
Q. Is Max Verstappen rich?
A. Max Verstappen earned $217 million (£163 million) after joining the Red Bull Racing team in 2016. He quickly made a name for himself as a top Formula 1 driver. Verstappen became the F1 world champion in 2021 and repeated this success in 2022, 2023, and 2024, proving his exceptional skill.
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s baby gender?
A. Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet had a baby girl named Lily on Saturday. Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull, said Lily’s birth will not affect Verstappen’s racing abilities.
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Verstappen and Piquet recently shared the news of their baby girl’s birth, named Lily. Before the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, they announced they were expecting. Lily joins Piquet’s family as a younger sister to her daughter, Penelope.