Red Bull has had a disappointing first half of the 2025 season, with Christian Horner paying the price with his job. The 51-year-old was dismissed after 20 years at the helm of the team as Red Bull sit fourth in the constructors’ championship.
The team’s drop-off has led to Max Verstappen looking like he will be unable to retain his title. The four-time world champion sits 69 points behind Oscar Piastri, but the RB21 is dropping down the pecking order. However, a TV pundit has claimed that it was Verstappen’s camp who played an important role in Horner’s sacking.
Max Verstappen’s camp key for Christian Horner’s Red Bull sacking, says Sky Sports pundit
Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle believes that Max Verstappen’s management might have had an impact on Christian Horner’s sacking. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, has been clear in his views that Horner should’ve stepped aside following allegations of harassment. Brundle thinks the Dutchman’s team has “lobbing grenades” to get Horner removed as tension behind the scenes grew.
Speaking on the Sky F1 podcast, Brundle said: “What’s absolutely clear is that the Verstappen camp have been lobbing in hand grenades for quite some months now, and some of them have gone off, and it’s been pretty relentless in that respect. “
“And I think at times, Max’s dad, Jos, has made it absolutely clear that he thinks Christian shouldn’t be leading the company and leading the team. So I would say yes, they’ve played a key role in Christian’s exit. But I say, unless you’re in the office behind closed doors, then you don’t know for certain. “
“But there are certain things I do know, and certain things I have seen and heard that make me think they were pretty involved in this decision.”
Max Verstappen Defended Red Bull Leadership Just Days Before Christian Horner’s Shock Red Bull Exit
Despite reports of Verstappen’s camp trying to get Horner removed, Max had previously defended his old team principal as little as just six days before the news was announced. After all, it was due in part to Horner that Verstappen is currently a four-time world champion.
How does Red Bull recover?
Red Bull has been in turmoil with senior staff leaving. Last season, we saw design legend Adrian Newey leave the team, while Jonathan Whealtey departed beforehand. With Horner gone, a lot of the original team members have left. However, this could be a fresh start for the Austrian team.
Laurent Mekies has been brought in to replace Horner. The Frenchman has made Racing Bulls a competitive midfield-running team who are always challenging for points. However, Mekies faces challenges from the off.
Red Bull is expected to have an engine with less power than Mercedes’ next season. The new 2026 regulation cars are power-dependent, which could spell yet more misery for the Milton Keynes-based team. Mekies also needs to find a way to make sure the team secures Max Verstappen, who is in talks with Mercedes. Red Bull might have to suffer some short-term pain for long-term gain.
