The Formula 1 world was recently shaken by the sudden resignation of Christian Horner, the long-term team boss of Red Bull Racing, after a disappointing 2025 season. The team finished in fourth place in the constructors championship, a stark contrast with their dominant 2023, when they won 21 out of 22 races. Horner’s departure, which was confirmed after a series of disappointing results and internal tensions, led to a striking reaction from Jos Verstappen, the father of four -time world champion Max Verstappen. In an interview with De Telegraaf, Jos did not leave any room for misunderstandings: “If you had listened to me and improved your motorcycle, you would not have been disqualified.” This sharp comment puts the finger on a painful wound within Red Bull, where strategic choices and technical shortcomings were troubled by the team.

Horner’s resignation comes after a season in which Red Bull struggled with the RB21 car, which was struggling with balance problems and a lack of speed on straight pieces. Sources indicate the engine, developed by Red Bull Powertrains, as a weak link. According to Insiders, Jos Verstappen, who has been a pronounced adviser for years, had repeatedly warned about the risks of Red Bull’s own motor program, especially after the departure of Honda as a motor supplier in 2025. His remark refers to a controversial disqualification during the Grand Prix of the Bull, where Red Bull was being improved. This blunder cost Max Verstappen valuable points in the championship, where he finally finished third.

Jos’s words reflect a long -term tension with Horner, who already became public in 2024. During the “Appjes scandal” that year, where Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior, Jos openly called for his departure, warning that the team would “fall apart” if Horner remained. Although that case was dismissed, the relationship between the two remained tense. After Horner’s resignation, F1 insider reported that during a heated discussion after the qualification in Silverstone, Jos had again insisted on strategic changes, including a revision of the motor program. Horner’s focus on the new wind tunnel in Milton Keynes, which was delayed, would have been at the expense of direct improvements to the car, according to Jos.

Max Verstappen himself remained more diplomatic, but showed via social media that he was disappointed about Red Bull’s performance: “We fought, but it wasn’t enough. Thanks Christian for the successes.” Yet he hinted on a possible break, with rumors about a switch to Mercedes that are circulating. La Gazzetta Dello Sport reports that Toto Wolff, Mercedes team boss, prepares a deal of € 102 million to incorporate Verstappen in 2026, made possible by an escape clause in his contract. Jos’ comments seem to feed these speculation, in which he implies that Red Bulls failure is partly due to Horner’s stubbornness.

Laurent Mekies, the new team boss, is now faced with the task of restoring Red Bull. The departure of key figures such as Adrian Newey to Aston Martin and Jonathan Wheatley to Sauber has weakened the team, and the engine problems remain a stumbling block. According to analyst Peter Windsor, Red Bull has become too dependent on Verstappen’s exceptional driving skills to mask the shortcomings of the car. “Jos is right about the engine,” said Windsor. “Red Bull Powertrains is not yet ready for 2026. That is a risk that Horner underestated.” Mekies has announced that the team cooperates with Ford to improve the engine, but time is running out with the new regulations.

Jos Verstappen’s pronunciation has divided the Formula 1 community. Some see it as a justified criticism of Horner’s leadership, while others consider it an unnecessary attack on a man who led Red Bull to six constructors and seven driver titles. Anyway, the comment underlines the unrest within Red Bull and the crucial role that Max Verstappen plays in the future of the team. For the Hungarian Grand Prix on 3 August, more clarity is expected about Max ’plans. Until that time, Jos ’sharp comments will continue to omit, as a warning that in Formula 1 means a downturn.