Max Verstappen has briefly responded to the dismissal of Red Bull team boss Christian Horner on Wednesday. The Dutchman praises the departed Brit.
“From my very first victory to four world titles, we have achieved incredible successes together,” Verstappen said in a brief statement on his social media. “We won memorable races and broke countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian.”
It was announced on Wednesday morning that Horner had been dismissed from Red Bull after more than twenty years. He was contracted to Verstappen’s team until 2030. Horner is succeeded by Frenchman Laurent Mekies, who has been team boss at sister team Racing Bulls since last year.
Horner was the longest-serving team boss in Formula 1. The Englishman had been at the helm of Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005. He won four world titles with both Sebastian Vettel (2010 to 2013) and Verstappen (2021 to 2024).
Horner had been under pressure at Red Bull for some time. In early 2024, he was accused of inappropriate behavior by a female employee. Horner was acquitted after an investigation.
At the same time, Red Bull’s performance also deteriorated. Verstappen is already out of contention for the title halfway through this season. In the constructors’ championship, Red Bull is only fourth, behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.
The Formula 1 season will continue without Horner in two and a half weeks with the Grand Prix of Belgium. A week later, the Grand Prix of Hungary is scheduled, the last race before the summer break.