Breaking:Verstappen Confirms Ongoing Contact With Axed Horner as Rivals Ci..read more
Verstappen Confirms Ongoing Contact With Axed Horner as Rivals Ci..read more
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has confirmed that he is still in communication with his former team principal Christian Horner, months after the Briton’s dramatic dismissal from Red Bull sent shockwaves through the sport.
Speaking in a candid end-of-season interview with Viaplay, Verstappen admitted that while contact between the two remains, their once-close relationship has inevitably changed since Horner’s sudden exit from the Milton Keynes-based outfit in July. According to the Dutchman, staying in touch by phone has proven challenging, particularly given the depth of the bond they shared during one of the most successful eras in Formula 1 history.
Horner had been a constant presence in Verstappen’s career since 2016, overseeing the driver’s rise from a raw teenager into a dominant force on the grid. Under Horner’s leadership, Verstappen claimed four consecutive world championships and helped turn Red Bull into the undisputed benchmark of modern Formula 1. Their partnership was widely regarded as one of the strongest driver-team principal relationships in the paddock.
However, Horner’s abrupt removal from Red Bull brought that chapter to a dramatic and unexpected end. While the full details surrounding his departure remain a subject of intense speculation, the decision marked a seismic shift for both the team and its star driver.
Verstappen acknowledged that the separation has been emotionally difficult, admitting that it is not easy to replicate years of daily interaction and shared pressure through occasional phone conversations. He described Horner as more than just a boss, highlighting the trust and understanding that developed between them over nearly a decade of working together at the highest level.
Despite the change in circumstances, Verstappen made it clear that there is no bad blood between the pair. Instead, he suggested that their relationship has simply entered a new phase, shaped by distance, new responsibilities, and the realities of Formula 1’s ever-changing landscape.
Meanwhile, Horner’s availability has not gone unnoticed across the paddock. Reports suggest that several teams are closely monitoring the situation, with at least one outfit believed to be making an aggressive move to secure the services of the highly experienced team boss. Given Horner’s proven track record of championship success, it is little surprise that rivals see him as a valuable asset capable of transforming a struggling team’s fortunes.
For Verstappen, the ongoing speculation adds another layer of intrigue to an already turbulent period in Formula 1. While he remains fully focused on his own future and on-track performance, the departure of a long-time ally has raised questions about how Red Bull will evolve without Horner at the helm.
The Dutch star stopped short of commenting on Horner’s next destination but hinted that his former boss still has plenty to offer the sport. With Formula 1 entering a new regulatory era and teams reshaping their leadership structures, Horner’s next move could prove to be one of the most significant off-track developments in recent years.
As the dust continues to settle, Verstappen’s revelation confirms that while professional paths may diverge, the connections forged during years of shared success do not disappear overnight. In a sport defined by ruthless change and constant pressure, loyalty and respect still hold value—even when circumstances force once-inseparable figures onto different roads.
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