She doesn’t plan to…

Teenager Princess Andre has shared photos of herself in a tiny white bikini during a spa day in Mexico – but the response may have been different to what she was hoping for.

Princess, full name Princess Tiaamii Crystal Esther Andre, celebrated her 18th birthday on June 29, 2025.

Born in 2007, she is the second child of Katie Price and Peter Andre.

Katie recently hit out at her ex-husband and his production company and claimed she had been “banned” from their daughter’s birthday celebrations. Now, she’s been unwittingly drawn into the comments on Princess’ holiday snaps…

Princess Andre turned 18 on June 29, 2025 (Credit: Cover Images)

Princess Andre warned not to ‘turn out like your mother’

This week, Princess Andre shared a series of photos in which she can be seen posing in a white bikini by a swimming pool during a spa day. She has been holidaying in Mexico after recently turning 18.

Don’t turn out like your mother as you are naturally beautiful.

Many of the comments posted by her followers are affirmative. One person called her “naturally beautiful”, another a “pretty lady”.

However, there were also a handful that contain warnings…

“Please, god,” commented one user. “Don’t turn out like your mother as you are naturally beautiful.” “Beautiful young woman don’t you ever change sweetheart!” another urged.

The comments are likely referring to Katie Price’s extensive use of cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentations and facelifts.

Price has reportedly had more than a dozen breast surgeries. Her first was when she was 18 years old – the age her daughter just turned.

“You look amazing but a bit uncomfortable,” another user wrote in the comments section of Princess’ post. “No need to strip off, you’re gorgeous just as you are.”

Princess had been in the headlines for years, despite still being a teenager (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Star hits back at suggestions she’s used lip filler

Princess Andre recently shut down suggestions she has followed in Katie Price’s footsteps and had cosmetic enhancements as a teenager.

She shared a series of selfies to Instagram shortly after her birthday at the end of June, which quickly received comments claiming her lips had “been done”. “No they haven’t,” was her reply.

“I feel like everyone is entitled to do what they want to their body. But I personally don’t look at [cosmetic surgery] and think, oh, yeah, I want to do that,” she also told The Sun last year.

“I think it’s important, especially for the younger generation on social media, to embrace natural beauty. My sisters are 10, and I want to set an example to them that they’re amazing how they are.”

‘Your body, your choice’

When her daughter was just 15 years old, Katie asked Princess if she would ever have cosmetic enhancements on her lips, per the Mirror.

“I want to say no, like you know how much surgery you’ve had… Can your body actually move? Because you stretch so much skin.”

“More surgery to come!” Katie replied. They were appearing together on Katie Price’s Mucky Mansion. “Put it this way, when I’m 90 I’ll probably be transparent – you’ll see all my veins.”

But Princess wasn’t impressed.

“It’s your body and your choice,” she said. “I don’t have a problem with plastic surgery. But I think some people are so naturally pretty that they don’t actually need it. You were naturally pretty.”

‘She will be a beautiful mumma’

Jeremy Clarkson’s girlfriend, Lisa Hogan, has announced their beloved dog is pregnant.

TV star Jeremy, 65, and the Irish actress, 51, first started dating back in 2017. Going from strength to strength, the pair have gone on to have their own show, Clarkson’s Farm, which focuses on their Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.

And this week, Lisa issued an exciting update about a member of the Clarkson clan.

His girlfriend has shared some baby news (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Jeremy Clarkson’s girlfriend reveals pregnancy news

Jeremy and Lisa are proud dog parents to two Fox Red Labradors named Sansa and Arya, after the characters in Game of Thrones.

On Wednesday (July 16) Lisa took to the official Diddly Squat Farm Shop Instagram page and revealed Ayra was pregnant with puppies.

In the clip, she told her beloved pup: “I would say, yep, look at that teet. Oh my god, you’re heavy and you’re hot compared to your sister in the stomach.”

She added: “I think we might have puppies on the way!”

‘Just the news I needed to wake up with’

Fans soon rushed to the comments section to congratulate the couple on the happy news.

One person said: “Congratulations guys, I bet they will be beautiful puppies.” Someone else added: “Amazing news. Just the news I needed to wake up with. Congratulations Diddly and Clarkson.”

A third also wrote: “Congratulations on your pregnancy! Arya will be a beautiful mumma.” Another then chimed in: “How lovely! Can’t wait to see the little ones.”

The presenter was congratulated (Credit: ITV)

Jeremy and girlfriend Lisa

Jeremy has been married twice before. Between 1989 and 1990 he was married to Alexandra James, and between 1993 and 2014 he was married to Frances Cain.

In 2017, he met Irish-born Lisa and they’ve been in a relationship ever since.

Jeremy and Lisa both have children from their past relationships.

Telly star Jeremy is father to three children – Emily, Finlo, and Katya, whom he shares with ex Frances. Lisa, meanwhile, is mother to three children – Lizzy, Wolfe and Alice.

John was sacked this week, after hosting MasterChef for 20 years

MasterChef has remained in the headlines after John Torode was axed, but who will replace him as host?

Yesterday (July 15), the BBC confirmed in a statement that John, 59, had been sacked after he was accused of making a racist remark at a work party seven years ago.

“John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment,” the corporation shared.

It continued: “The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind. And, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”

With John’s role now available, bookies have exclusively told Entertainment Daily who is in the running to replace him…

Tom Kerridge is a favourite to replace John Torode on MasterChef (Credit: Splashnews.com)

MasterChef star John Torode’s potential replacements

“With John Torode stepping away from MasterChef, there’s plenty of talk about who could fill his shoes on one of Britain’s best-loved cooking shows,” spokesperson for Betideas, Shane Orton, revealed.

Best known for his warm, down-to-earth style, Tom Kerridge is an early frontrunner at 2/1. However, right behind him is Great British Menu star Andi Oliver at 4/1.

She ties with TV chef favourite James Martin, who currently hosts his own morning cooking show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, on ITV.

Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain is also a popular choice (6/1), meanwhile John’s wife, Lisa Faulkner, is also on the list (9/1).

Meanwhile, Jamie Oliver is also a contender (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Jamie Oliver for MasterChef?

More famous faces are also contenders to take over.

Iconic chef Nigella Lawson is a potential candidate (16/1) as well as Hell’s Kitchen star Gordon Ramsay (20/1).

Sunday Brunch host Tim Lovejoy falls slightly behind (20/1), while Ainsley Harriott, Jamie Oliver and Marco Pierre White round off the list with shared odds of 25/1.

Will they ever heal the alleged rift?

Prince William is said to have taken a very firm position on his brother Prince Harry amid reports of a potential reconciliation with the royal family.

In recent days, newspaper reports have claimed representatives for King Charles and the Sussexes participated in a “secret peace summit”.

Pictures said to show aides meeting in London emerged in the tabloids over the weekend. And subsequent reports claimed that Prince Harry and his wife felt “frustrated” after details concerning the alleged talks made the newspapers.

Aides for the Sussexes and King Charles reportedly met recently (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Chances of Prince William and Prince Harry reconciliation

However, while an unnamed source claimed to the Mail on Sunday that the reported meet-up was “a step in the right direction”, another anonymous insider went on to tell another tabloid that Prince Harry might find making up with his brother more challenging than healing any rift with his father.

According to the Mirror, it could be a “different matter entirely and one which he will find much harder to repair”.

Furthermore, it seems another royal observer reckons Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have to do all the running to avoid any potential reconciliation from stalling.

MailOnline columnist Richard Eden claimed: “There will be no ‘olive branches’ offered, or meetings at private members’ clubs between aides, until William and Catherine receive apologies from the Sussexes. Frankly, that’s the least they deserve.”

Will Prince Harry and Prince William – seen here during Trooping the Colour in 2014 – ever manage a reconciliation? (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Mr Eden also asserted: “It’s no coincidence that Prince William and Catherine did not have a representative at [the meeting].”

He went on: “They were not asked to send anyone and will be treating the talks with extreme caution. The fact that it ended up in the newspapers tells you all you need to know.”

However, the Mirror now claims the heir to the throne may not entertain the notion of settling any possible family feud. That’s because he reportedly remains hurt by allegations made by his sibling in TV interviews and his memoir, Spare.

Prince Harry told the BBC earlier this year he “doesn’t know how long King Charles has left” (Credit: Splashnews.com)

‘Reconciliation certainly not on Prince William’s mind’

A source has reportedly told the news outlet: “The Prince of Wales remains deeply wounded by Prince Harry’s various allegations in his memoir and endless broadcast interviews over the last few years.

The Prince of Wales remains deeply wounded by Prince Harry’s various allegations.

“There are no plans to either make contact with or arrange to see the Duke of Sussex in the near future. Regardless of any members of the family seeking reconciliation, that is certainly not on the prince’s mind.

“Both the Prince and Princess of Wales are entirely focused on their various important duties and their own family.”

The dust is starting to settle after Red Bull sacked Christian Horner last week, yet the reasons why they let their Formula 1 CEO and team principal go continue to emerge.

Horner enjoyed 20 years at the helm of Red Bull, as he joined soon after the Austrian energy drink brand bought the ailing Jaguar squad from Ford ahead of the 2005 F1 season. Yet their declining results and Horner’s push for power were a toxic blend that brought about his end.

As well as being the head of their racing team, the 51-year-old oversaw the creation and the progress of Red Bull Powertrains who will create the team’s engine for F1’s 2026 regulations. Also, Horner took control of Red Bull’s F1 marketing team and he even oversaw Racing Bulls’.

Horner’s pursuit of power was a leading reason why Red Bull sacked the Briton, after he lost the support of majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya. He had lost the support of Red Bull GmbH co-owner Mark Mateschitz and managing director Oliver Mintzlaff already a year ago.

Photo by Song Haiyuan/Paddocker/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Helmut Marko and Red Bull disagreed with Christian Horner suggesting they may not need Max Verstappen

Ultimately, the axe fell last Tuesday, when Red Bull sacked Horner without telling him why he was being placed on gardening leave for at least the remainder of 2025. Red Bull and Horner are negotiating a pay-off that may exceed £50m, as his contract is set to run through 2030.

The news of his sacking shocked Horner, who Matt Bishop says in his Motor Sport Magazine column told him that the Leamington Spa native was not aware his tenure was at risk when they saw each other one day before the call came from Red Bull that he was being released.

But Bishop also has ‘on good authority’ that Red Bull GmbH chief Mintzlaff and motorsport adviser Helmut Marko did not agree with one claim that Horner raised at the British Grand Prix in relation to the threat of driver Max Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes in 2026.

It is said that Verstappen has provisionally agreed to join Mercedes via a release clause in his contract at Red Bull through 2028. But Horner echoed what the late Dietrich Mateschitz told him about Sebastian Vettel joining Ferrari in 2015 in relation to a question about Verstappen.

Mateschitz told Horner, “We don’t need the best driver if we don’t have the best car”, when Vettel left Red Bull after one difficult season in 2014 on the back of winning the drivers’ title four times on the spin, as Verstappen has since 2021 only to struggle in a tricky car in 2025.

But Mintzlaff and Marko did not agree with Horner’s apparent suggestion at Silverstone that Red Bull do not need Verstappen if they do not have the best car. So, fearing the 27-year-old could join Mercedes, Red Bull are determined to do whatever it takes to guarantee he stays.

Max Verstappen has shown Red Bull need him like crazy for the past seven seasons

Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images
The British GP proved to be the last of the 406 Grands Prix entries that Horner oversaw with Red Bull, which resulted in six constructors’ titles, eight drivers’ titles, 124 race wins and 287 podiums. Verstappen scored Red Bull’s 107th pole at the British Grand Prix but finished fifth.

Verstappen has proven that Red Bull’s car can be quick in the right conditions, at the perfect circuit and in the right hands. But Red Bull designing a car that only the Dutchman can push to its limits is leaving the Milton Keynes crew just fourth in the 2025 constructors’ standings.

While Verstappen has won two Grands Prix and scored 165 points to sit third in the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship after 12 rounds, Liam Lawson failed to score a point in the RB21 over his two rounds at Red Bull and Yuki Tsunoda has only taken seven since he adopted the seat.

Sergio Perez also only scored 152 points to the 437 that Verstappen earned to win the 2024 drivers’ title, as the Mexican finished eighth in the standings. Horner’s decision to give Perez a contract at Red Bull for 2025 before pulling a U-turn in December also did not aid his case.

Tsunoda, Lawson and Perez are just the latest victims of the cursed second Red Bull car next to Verstappen since Daniel Ricciardo left after the 2018 F1 season, though. So, if Horner felt Red Bull could cope without Verstappen, Mintzlaff and Marko had no choice but to sack him.

Lewis Hamilton is now 12 rounds into his career at Ferrari, but the hopes that met his move to Maranello faded rapidly after the Briton’s career-worst start to an F1 season.

Never before Hamilton put on the Scuderia’s iconic red overalls had the 40-year-old failed to get a single podium through the first 10 Grands Prix of an F1 season. The Stevenage native’s best finishes for the pride of Italy are his P4 results at Imola and in Austria and Great Britain.

His move to Ferrari has even now seen Hamilton fail to score more than 100 points from the first 12 Grands Prix since the current points format was introduced in 2010. It is far from the dreams the Tifosi held for 2025, as Ferrari believed they would be title contenders this year.

Hamilton currently only boasts 103 points to sit sixth in the F1 drivers’ championship ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix on July 25-27. Of those points, the seven-time champion recorded 14 from F1 Sprints after Hamilton won the China Sprint and achieved P3 in the Miami Sprint.

Photo by Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto via Getty Images

‘Insiders’ fear that Lewis Hamilton will not adapt to Ferrari and the Scuderia’s car

A host of factors have helped to cause Hamilton’s problems since moving from Mercedes to Ferrari this year. While Hamilton’s hunger to win an eighth F1 title remains intense, the 105-time Grand Prix winner has struggled to adapt to Ferrari’s unique ways and also to their car.

Hamilton has urged Ferrari to change their methods as the 104-time Grand Prix polesitter is still struggling to adjust to their technical approach and terminology. Additionally, Hamilton has struggled with Ferrari’s power steering as a slight delay in the input impacts his braking.

But while the 202-time Grand Prix podium finisher wants changes in Maranello, Formula1.it reports that ‘various insiders’ fear that Hamilton ‘doesn’t appear capable’ of overcoming his problems at Ferrari. He has also seemed ‘overwhelmed’ by the challenge of adapting in red.

Hamilton himself has admitted to facing difficulties adapting to Ferrari and the SF-25 since moving from Mercedes. But the time it is taking statistically the most successful driver in F1 history to overcome the challenges is raising alarm, as his wait for a podium in red persists.

Ferrari’s rear suspension upgrade at the Belgian Grand Prix could help Hamilton to adapt

Hamilton will hope that the rear suspension upgrade Ferrari plan to debut at the Belgian GP can help him to at least overcome his problems adapting to the SF-25 when F1 visits Spa on July 25-27. The Scuderia hope the update will make their car less sensitive to its ride height.

The SF-25’s unpredictable rear-end has been one of the main reasons behind the time it has taken Hamilton to adjust to Ferrari’s car. It has also been claimed that Ferrari’s upgraded rear suspension will be worth one tenth of a second, which can be huge given the field is so tight.

Shaving only a tenth of a second off his lap time in Q3 at Silverstone last time out could have put Hamilton P2 on the grid at the British Grand Prix, rather than P5. He set a 1:25.095 after Ferrari’s Q3 engine mode failed Hamilton at Silverstone to Oscar Piastri’s 1:24.995 lap for P2.

Photo: © IMAGO

FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem has dismissed suggestions that he has overseen a ‘reign of terror’ since taking office in 2021.

The 63-year-old was responding to comments made by former F1 steward Tim Mayer, who recently announced his intention to stand in this year’s presidential election.

In an interview with The Race, Ben Sulayem was asked if he had been annoyed by Mayer’s criticism, and said: “Not really. It’s just that some people are disconnected to the FIA.

“At the time of elections, we say a tongue has no bones. They can say whatever they feel if that’s the way to get them electoral votes.

“But let me ask you a question: have you ever read any article where I mentioned someone in a bad way? No. Thank you. That’s not my style.

“My style is connecting with the members, listening to them, and having the trust with them. That’s the only thing.”

Tim Mayer will challenge Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency

Ben Sulayem ‘not bothered’ by criticism

He went on to invite journalists to visit the governing body’s headquarters to see how things are run for themselves.

He continued: “Have you been in the office of the FIA? I would like you to go to Geneva and go to Paris to see, and you are the one who decides if it is a reign of terror.

“No. People can speak and I am not a one-man show, because everything goes through governance [processes], and we have our ethics [committees].

“So really, it doesn’t bother me at all. I wish him well, whoever comes.”

Mayer – who was dismissed from his position in November 2024 – isn’t the first high-profile figure once employed by the FIA to question the culture within the organisation in recent years.

That list includes ex-chief executive officer Natalie Robyn, and former deputy president for sport, Robert Reid, who resigned from his role in April of this year.

Ben Sulayem has also been on the receiving end of criticism from some of the sport’s top drivers, with multiple-time world champions Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton among those to voice their concerns, as well as Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director, George Russell.

Inside the F1 Power Play: The True Story Behind Christian Horner’s Shock Exit from Red Bull Racing

Formula 1 is no stranger to high-stakes drama, but the sudden departure of Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing has sent shockwaves through the paddock and left fans and insiders alike scrambling for answers. This wasn’t a simple management reshuffle or a run-of-the-mill internal disagreement; rather, it appears to be a calculated power play with profound implications for the future of Red Bull Racing and, most importantly, the fate of their superstar driver Max Verstappen.

The Unthinkable: Horner’s Abrupt Exit

Christian Horner’s exit is especially jarring given his legacy. He has been the heartbeat of Red Bull Racing for two decades, transforming the energy drink brand from a rookie entrant to a dominant force in motorsport. Under his leadership, Red Bull became a powerhouse—winning multiple world championships and making Max Verstappen one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Yet, in a move few expected, Horner was suddenly removed from his position. The timing and manner were abrupt, seismic even, with the dismissal finalized just before the British Grand Prix in a London hotel room — far from the familiar surroundings of Red Bull’s Milton Keynes campus. The swift appointment of Laurent Mekies as his successor underscored the urgency with which the team needed to fill the leadership void, ensuring no disruption at one of the sport’s most pivotal moments.

More Than Just a Corporate Reshuffle: A Calculated Power Play

According to former F1 driver and pundit Gerhard Berger, this was not a mere management decision but a strategic maneuver aimed squarely at securing Max Verstappen’s loyalty. This revelation paints a stark picture: in modern F1, star drivers wield unprecedented power—sometimes enough to influence corporate decisions at the highest levels.

Max Verstappen, under contract until 2028, has significant performance clauses in his contract that allow him to exit if Red Bull’s performance dips below a certain threshold. With the RB21 car proving challenging and Red Bull slipping to fourth in the early 2025 constructors’ standings, the stakes are sky-high. Mercedes, with Toto Wolff actively courting Verstappen, looms as a very real threat.

The narrative coming from inside the paddock reveals simmering tensions behind the scenes. Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, has been openly critical of Horner, and combined with the backing of Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko, this indicates a deep internal power struggle rather than a united front.

The Cracks Beneath the Surface

Red Bull’s dominance has shown signs of vulnerability. Sergio Perez struggled with the RB20 and the team finished third in the constructors’ championship in 2024. With performance dipping and internal disagreements bubbling, Red Bull faced a precarious crossroads.

Moreover, internal leaks and media reports suggest Horner lost the backing of key shareholders, such as the influential shareholder Scheller Uvidia, who cited Horner’s neglect of crucial marketing and technical aspects of the team’s operations. The departure of several key technical staff—Adrien Newey, Rob Marshall, Jonathan Wheatley, and Lee Stevenson—only added to the growing instability.

In 2024, a scandal involving accusations against Horner, although eventually cleared, damaged the team’s internal cohesion and public image. The rift between Horner, Marko, and the Verstappen camp grew palpable, culminating in Horner’s public removal.

The Chess Game of F1 Politics

What’s particularly fascinating is how this power shift was orchestrated over months, with the decisive Zoom call and final hammer blow delivered by CEO Oliver Minslaf and Marko just before the British GP. This was not a snap decision but a meticulously planned coup to reshape Red Bull’s hierarchy around its star asset—Max Verstappen.

Helmut Marko, despite playing a crucial role in Horner’s ousting, has reportedly been planning his own exit quietly, even considering Sebastian Vettel as a potential replacement. This underscores the complex layers of F1 politics and power dynamics at play within Red Bull.

What Lies Ahead for Red Bull?

Laurent Mekies now inherits a fractured team struggling with a car that has lost its competitive edge and a champion driver whose future is still uncertain. The looming 2026 regulation changes and the introduction of Ford’s new power unit add another layer of unpredictability.

Ferrari is resurging, McLaren looks dangerous, and Mercedes is openly eager to poach Verstappen. This precarious landscape means Red Bull must rebuild quickly, ensuring stability and performance to keep their star driver—and maintain their status as a championship contender.

Was It a Gamble or a Necessity?

This brings us to the core question: did Red Bull sacrifice its mastermind, its “Alex Ferguson” or “Toto Wolff” figure, to keep its golden goose? Was Horner a necessary casualty in a brutal but strategic move to secure Verstappen’s loyalty? Or was this a reckless gamble that risks the very future of the team?

While no one knows what deals Verstappen might already have in place, possibly with Mercedes, the move highlights the shifting power dynamics in F1—where drivers, not just team bosses, can dictate the sport’s direction.

Conclusion

Christian Horner’s sudden exit from Red Bull Racing marks a watershed moment in Formula 1. It reveals a sport where star drivers hold immense leverage, where internal politics and power plays can reshape even the most successful teams, and where the balance between leadership and talent is razor-thin.

For Red Bull, the next chapter is fraught with challenges: rebuilding a fractured team, developing a competitive car under new regulations, and convincing Max Verstappen that his future remains with them. Whether this dramatic move secures their dominance or triggers a downfall remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—Formula 1’s high-stakes game of survival just reached a new level.

Full Video:

The Max Verstappen Effect: How Red Bull Racing’s Golden Boy is Shaping the Future of Formula 1

For Red Bull Racing, 2024 has been anything but smooth sailing. The dominant force that once stormed through race weekends with relentless consistency has shown cracks — and at the heart of this upheaval stands Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion who has carried the team on his shoulders like no other.

Red Bull isn’t just facing technical challenges or fierce competition — it’s facing a seismic shift in its identity, driven by one man’s extraordinary talent and increasingly uncertain loyalty.

A Team in Turmoil

The early 2024 season highlighted an uncomfortable truth: Red Bull’s performance hinges overwhelmingly on Verstappen’s prowess. In fact, a staggering 74% of the team’s championship points have come solely from Max, while his teammates — Sergio Perez and others — have combined to muster just seven points. This imbalance is unprecedented in modern Formula 1 and exposes a fundamental flaw: Red Bull’s once-solid team dynamic has eroded into a one-man army.

The struggles aren’t limited to on-track performance. Behind the scenes, Red Bull Racing’s technical department has suffered a major exodus of talent. Christian Horner, the team principal since their rise to dominance, was shown the door, followed closely by Adrien Newey, the engineering genius responsible for many of their championship-winning cars. The departures of Jonathan Wheatley and Rob Marshall only deepen the crisis. It’s like watching an Avengers team break apart with no planned reunion in sight.

The Nuclear Option: Renaming the Team

In a desperate bid to keep Verstappen from leaving, whispers have emerged that Red Bull might rename the team to include his name — something like “Max Bull Racing” or “Team Verstappen by Red Bull.” This would be a radical, unprecedented move in Formula 1 history. No driver, no matter how talented or successful, has ever had their name enshrined in the team title.

The move signals the extent of Red Bull’s panic. By potentially rebranding the team around Verstappen, the Austrian outfit implicitly admits that without him, they are nothing more than a well-funded midfield contender. It’s a dangerous precedent that risks undermining the team’s identity and bargaining power in future negotiations.

Mercedes and the Silver Arrows’ Silent Ambush

Meanwhile, Mercedes lurks in the shadows, ready to capitalize on Red Bull’s instability. Toto Wolff, the astute Mercedes team principal, is reportedly courting Verstappen aggressively, offering him not just a seat, but a chance to build a lasting legacy with a team renowned for eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships before Red Bull’s recent dominance.

Mercedes isn’t just offering a car; they’re offering stability and a chance for Verstappen to prove he can win without the bespoke Red Bull machinery tailored to his style. With Red Bull’s technical team in disarray and a risky new partnership with Ford for the 2026 power units, the prospect of a “Mad Max” comeback with Mercedes becomes tantalizingly real.

The Challenge of 2026: Rookie Powertrain Partners and Risk

Red Bull’s technical struggles will only intensify with the 2026 engine regulation changes. For the first time, Red Bull will enter as an engine manufacturer in partnership with Ford — a move that is bold but risky. Against seasoned power unit giants like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Renault, Red Bull and Ford are newcomers in a complex and highly technical arena.

The learning curve promises to be steep and unforgiving. Asking Verstappen to stay through potential years of engine development challenges, while Mercedes quietly prepares its next generation of cars, is a tough sell to a driver accustomed to winning.

The Psychological and Human Element

Max Verstappen is no longer just a racer hungry for championships — he is also a new father. This life change brings a different perspective on risk, career longevity, and stability. Verstappen has been clear that he doesn’t intend to race into his late 30s like some of his peers. Red Bull’s offer to cement his influence with unprecedented power and naming rights might instead feel like a cage, restricting his freedom.

The parallels with football are striking — just as Paris Saint-Germain built around Neymar and Mbappé created a toxic power struggle, Red Bull risks repeating the same mistake. Formula 1 teams have thrived by maintaining clear hierarchies and roles; blurring these lines could destabilize the team culture irreparably.

A Struggling Supporting Cast

While Verstappen extracts every ounce of performance from the RB21 car, his teammates look like they’re driving entirely different machinery. This isn’t just a talent gap — it’s a symptom of deeper issues in car development and strategy execution.

Strategy decisions that once looked telepathic now appear rushed or blind, and the team’s once-dominant upgrades have struggled to improve the car, sometimes even making it slower. The loss of key technical staff has left Verstappen frustrated and increasingly isolated as the sole beacon of competitiveness.

The Financial Paradox: Oracle and the Vanishing Edge

In 2022, Red Bull signed a $500 million sponsorship deal with Oracle, aimed at leveraging cloud computing and data analytics to boost race strategies and car development. Ironically, despite this massive investment, Red Bull’s advantage in driven performance is evaporating.

Their rivals continue to close the gap, while Red Bull struggles to decode why their upgrades hinder rather than help. This paradox adds to the pressure on Verstappen, the engineers, and the entire team.

What’s Next for Red Bull and Verstappen?

Red Bull’s shareholders now hold majority control and face a stark choice: grant Verstappen unprecedented power, risking a shift that could turn him into a figure bigger than the team itself, or risk losing him — and with him, their championship hopes.

Either path leads to profound changes in how Red Bull operates, and neither guarantees success. The 2025 season looks increasingly like a transitional year, with Mercedes, Ferrari, and even McLaren closing the gap, while Red Bull’s once formidable advantage slips away.

The sport watches with morbid fascination as one of its most successful partnerships teeters on the edge. The offer to include Verstappen’s name in the team title isn’t just a negotiation tactic — it’s an admission of lost control.

Conclusion: The Future of Formula 1’s Golden Boy and His Team

Max Verstappen’s impact on Red Bull and Formula 1 is undeniable. But as the sport evolves, so do the challenges. Red Bull Racing’s attempts to hold on to their golden boy with naming rights and unprecedented power may backfire, threatening the very foundation that brought them success.

Meanwhile, Mercedes waits in the wings, ready to offer the stability and legacy that Verstappen may need to continue his dominance.

In this high-stakes drama, the question isn’t just whether Verstappen stays or goes — it’s whether Red Bull can rediscover their identity and strength without him, or if they’ll become forever known as the team that revolved around one man.

The next chapter in Formula 1’s story is about to be written, and Max Verstappen’s role could redefine what it means to be a driver — and what it means to be a team.

Full Video:

Red Bull’s Power Play: Was Christian Horner Sacrificed to Keep Max Verstappen?

Imagine leading the most dominant Formula 1 team of the modern era—transforming a quirky energy drink brand into a global motorsport powerhouse—and then being dismissed overnight.

That’s the story of Christian Horner.

After 20 years at the helm of Red Bull Racing, Horner, the man who built the empire brick by brick, was unceremoniously shown the door. And the most stunning twist? It may all have been done to keep Max Verstappen.

A Legacy Dismantled Overnight

The official reason for Horner’s ousting was a cocktail of internal conflict, declining performance, and corporate dissatisfaction. But insiders and paddock veterans suggest a deeper, more calculated motive: appeasing the Verstappens.

Former F1 driver Gerd Berger dropped a bombshell in a recent interview: “I do think Max will stay at Red Bull.” That seemingly benign comment has caused ripples across the F1 world. Why? Because behind the team’s PR front, it was no secret that tensions had been brewing between Horner and the Verstappen camp—especially Max’s outspoken father, Jos.

Throw in Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor and a long-time Verstappen ally, and the pieces of a strategic power shift begin to fall into place. This wasn’t a spontaneous dismissal. It was a carefully orchestrated coup.

Whispers of a Takeover

According to reports from Bild, Horner’s dismissal was whispered about as early as the Austrian Grand Prix. Finalized over Zoom, it was delivered not at the Red Bull headquarters in Milton Keynes, but in a sterile London hotel room on the eve of the British Grand Prix—Horner’s home race.

Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff and Marko were both present. More tellingly, Marko reportedly played a key role in executing Horner’s removal.

That’s not speculation—that’s confirmed.

So who benefits most from this sudden leadership vacuum?

All signs point to Max Verstappen.

Red Bull in Decline

Red Bull’s once-dominant stranglehold on Formula 1 had begun to slip. Sergio Pérez struggled with the RB20 throughout 2024, and the team finished only third in the Constructors’ Championship. Verstappen, once untouchable, was sitting third in the Driver Standings midway through the 2025 season. The RB21, the team’s latest creation, was proving difficult to drive, inconsistent, and no longer the benchmark.

The cracks were starting to show.

And with Mercedes lurking, Verstappen’s long-term future at Red Bull suddenly didn’t look so secure. Despite being under contract until 2028, Verstappen’s deal reportedly includes performance clauses that would allow him to walk—potentially as early as 2026.

Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has made no secret of his admiration for Verstappen. With Lewis Hamilton retired and Andrea Kimi Antonelli still unproven, Mercedes is hunting for a leader. Verstappen fits the bill.

A Desperate Gamble

Faced with a potential Verstappen exit, Red Bull’s leadership acted.

“It’s much more about stabilizing the whole team and getting Max Verstappen back into it properly,” Berger said. That sentiment, shared by many inside the paddock, adds weight to the theory that Horner’s removal was a sacrificial act. A last-ditch effort to keep their superstar happy.

Even before his departure, Horner had raised eyebrows. In early 2024, he downplayed Red Bull’s 2026 project, telling TalkSport, “This will be by far our biggest challenge in the sport.” He even took a jab at Mercedes, suggesting they should be embarrassed if they weren’t faster under the new regulations.

But internally, he was reportedly far more optimistic. That contradiction didn’t sit well with the rest of Red Bull’s leadership, especially Marko.

Then came a cascade of talent leaving the team: Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall, Jonathan Wheatley, Lee Stevenson—cornerstones of Red Bull’s success. The departures spoke volumes.

And then the scandal hit.

The Scandal That Sparked a Civil War

In early 2024, Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior by a former employee. Though an internal investigation cleared him, the damage to his standing was irreversible.

The fallout deepened the divide between Horner and Marko, and between Horner and the Verstappens. Jos and Max skipped Red Bull’s annual clay pigeon shoot—an event where absences don’t go unnoticed.

The writing was on the wall.

By the time the decision was made in Austria and executed in London, it was clear: this wasn’t just about team dynamics or performance. It was about control. And Horner no longer had it.

The Silent Power Shift

The final nail came from Chalerm Yoovidhya, one of Red Bull’s most influential shareholders. He reportedly lost faith in Horner’s commitment to marketing, technical oversight, and powertrain development—three pillars essential to the team’s 2026 future.

Meanwhile, Helmut Marko was already preparing for his own exit—but doing it quietly, with succession planning that included names like Sebastian Vettel. The contrast was stark: Horner blindsided, Marko calculated.

It’s almost poetic. The man who helped build the Verstappen dynasty was now clearing the path for it to rule unopposed.

What Now?

Red Bull is now a fractured team led by new principal Laurent Mekies. He inherits a wounded squad, a car that’s lost its edge, and a champion whose loyalty is under scrutiny.

The 2026 regulation changes loom large. Red Bull’s in-house power unit with Ford is an unknown variable. Mercedes is resurgent. Ferrari is threatening. McLaren is dangerous. The midfield is closing in.

And in the background, one question refuses to go away:

Did Red Bull just sacrifice their mastermind to keep a driver who might leave anyway?

Because if Verstappen walks in 2026—possibly to Mercedes—all of this will have been in vain. A failed gambit. A power play that backfired.

As one insider put it: “Sometimes when you trade your king for your queen, you forget the queen can move anywhere she wants.”

Final Thoughts

Christian Horner’s fall was dramatic, swift, and deeply symbolic. He wasn’t just a team boss—he was Red Bull Racing. His departure has left a leadership vacuum, a team in crisis, and a future that looks far less certain than it did just two seasons ago.

Max Verstappen may have won the political war. But at what cost?

And if he walks away anyway, Red Bull might learn the hard way that no one—not even the best driver in the world—is bigger than the team.

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