The Formula 1 world was shaken yesterday by the unexpected resignation of Christian Horner, the iconic team boss of Red Bull Racing. After twenty years at the helm of the team that Max Verstappen gave four world titles, Horner had to leave immediately. Red Bull’s official statement pointed out disappointing results in 2025, with a fourth place in the constructors championship and a third place for Verstappen in the drivers classification. But it was Verstappen’s response to this news that attracted the world’s attention, with a statement that was both emotionally and surprising.

Max Verstappen, the four -time world champion, spoke out via social media and in an exclusive interview with De Telegraaf. His words were steeped in respect for Horner, with whom he had been working closely together since his debut at Red Bull in 2016. “From my first victory to four world titles, we have celebrated incredible successes. Memorable races won and broke records. Thanks for everything Christian!” Verstappen wrote on X. This gratitude was expected, but it was a specific passage of 26 words that made the Formula 1 community look up: “I remain faithful to my team, but my future is in my own hands. I am looking for an environment where I can win, regardless of who leads.”

These words, carefully chosen, sent shock waves through the paddock. They suggested that, despite his contract with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen is open to a departure if the team does not return to the top quickly. Rumors about a possible switch to Mercedes, which have been courting for months, immediately flared up. According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Toto Wolff, the team boss of Mercedes, would have received green light to make Verstappen a lucrative offer. Verstappen himself, however, remained vague about these speculations: “I focus on performance, not on rumors. Red Bull is my home, but I want to win races.”

Horner’s resignation comes to a turbulent moment for Red Bull. The team, which won 21 of the 22 races in 2023, is struggling with a relapse in performance. The RB21 car, designed under the leadership of technical director Pierre Waché, turned out to be difficult to control, and competitors such as McLaren and Ferrari made Red Bull. Moreover, key figures such as designer Adrian Newey left for Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley for Sauber. Horner, who was held responsible for the strategic choices, did not get an official reason for his resignation, but sources indicate a combination of disappointing results and internal tensions.

The relationship between Horner and the Verstappenkamp had been tense for some time. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, repeatedly clashed with Horner, especially after the “apps scandal” in 2024, where Horner was accused of cross-border behavior. Although that case was dismissed, the atmosphere remained fragile within the team. According to F1 insider, a heated conversation took place between Jos Verstappen and Horner last weekend after the qualification in Silverstone. Nevertheless, Verstappen denies that his camp has demanded Horner’s resignation. His manager, Raymond Vermeulen, emphasized: “We look at the sporting side. Max wants to go back to the top, and that doesn’t change.”

Laurent Mekies, formerly team boss of Racing Bulls, takes over HORNERS. Mekies stands for the hard task of pulling Red Bull out of the valley, especially with the new regulations of 2026 approaching. The late construction of Red Bulls New Wind tunnel, a project that Horner started, is seen as a strategic mistake that the team affected in 2025. Peter Windsor, F1 analyst, noted: “Without Newey and with a car that does not perform, Red Bull has reached his ceiling. Mekies has to convince Verstappen that there is perspective.”

Verstappen’s future remains the central theme. His statement leaves room for interpretation: does he remain loyal to Red Bull, or is this the start of a farewell? The Dutchman hinted that he will give more clarity before the summer break, on 3 August in Hungary. Until then, the Formula 1 world holds its breath. What is certain is that Verstappen’s words have changed the dynamics within Red Bull and beyond. His focus on winning, regardless of management, underlines his status as not only a champion, but also a driver who determines his own path.