Inside Red Bull’s Civil War: How the Verstappens Toppled a Dynasty

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, conflict is often settled on the track. But sometimes, the most brutal battles unfold off it — in whispers, backroom deals, and quiet power plays. Red Bull Racing, long regarded as a powerhouse of the modern F1 era, now finds itself in the aftermath of a civil war that has shattered its leadership, shaken its foundation, and cast doubt over its future.

At the center of this storm stands a familiar name: Verstappen. But it wasn’t just Max. This time, it was his father — Jos Verstappen — who lit the match.

The Silverstone Showdown

It all escalated dramatically at the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. What began with sidelong glances and terse exchanges ended in an explosive confrontation. Cameras briefly caught Jos Verstappen and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner leaving the paddock side by side — not with camaraderie, but with tension thick in the air.

That weekend was reportedly Horner’s last. What unfolded next sent shockwaves through the sport.

Ralf Schumacher, former F1 driver and commentator, revealed that a heated verbal exchange occurred between Jos, Christian Horner, and Red Bull’s press officer. It wasn’t the first time Jos had expressed dissatisfaction — but this time, he had leverage. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, was disillusioned and hesitant about his future with the team.

The Crumbling Foundation

Behind the scenes, Max had grown increasingly frustrated. The Red Bull car had lost its championship edge, and the direction for 2026 — a pivotal year with new regulations — was uninspiring. Max reportedly lost faith in the engineering team building the next-generation car, and worse, he was fed up with the internal chaos that had taken root at the team.

He issued a clear ultimatum: fix the technical problems and end the drama.

But to the Verstappens, the drama had a face — Christian Horner.

Once the unchallenged monarch of Red Bull Racing, Horner held multiple roles: Team Principal, CEO, and Head of Powertrains. To critics, that level of power had become unsustainable and suffocating. Even Red Bull insiders started to refer to the team not as Red Bull Racing, but “Horner Racing.”

Tensions boiled over in Bahrain in 2024, where Jos and Horner nearly came to blows despite the team winning the race. Jos later stated publicly that he was “done” with Horner. But it wasn’t just about personality clashes. It was about the future of Red Bull.

The Power Shift

What changed at Silverstone wasn’t just sentiment — it was structure. Red Bull’s Austrian parent company made a decisive move. Behind closed doors, a 2% share sale from the Thai side of Red Bull to an Austrian investment firm shifted the balance of power. Now, Austria had the majority — and with it, the authority to make sweeping changes.

Horner was told on a Tuesday after Silverstone that he was out. No press conference. No explanation. Just a short, sterile statement confirming his departure.

Insiders said he was never even told why.

It was the coldest of exits for a man who had led Red Bull to multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles. His farewell? A five-minute standing ovation from his staff at Milton Keynes — moving, but ultimately insufficient to mask the brutal nature of his ousting.

Jos Verstappen: The Catalyst

Jos Verstappen has always played a bigger role than most F1 fathers. He’s been Max’s mentor, manager, and protector. He’s also been a disruptive force when needed — a hand grenade thrown to shake the system.

At Silverstone, Jos pulled the pin. His confrontation with Horner, witnessed by others, gave the Red Bull board the perfect excuse to act. In hindsight, many believe this was part of a longer game. Jos and Max, perhaps in alignment with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, had positioned themselves to force Horner out.

Marko, who had long clashed with Horner, ensured Max’s contract contained a crucial clause: if Marko were removed, Max would become a free agent. This clause not only protected Marko — it made Horner expendable.

Max’s Future: Red Bull or Mercedes?

Despite the changes, the question remains: will Max Verstappen stay?

He’s scored 165 of Red Bull’s 172 points this season — a staggering contribution that underscores his value. But the team’s form is slipping, and the Constructors’ Championship is no longer guaranteed. If Max finishes outside the top three in the Drivers’ standings, another contract clause could activate, making him a free agent. George Russell is just 18 points away from making that happen.

Mercedes is reportedly in talks with Max. The team offers what Red Bull currently lacks: stability. Toto Wolff’s camp has long admired Verstappen’s talent, and with Lewis Hamilton’s era ending, the timing aligns.

Max has stayed quiet publicly, insisting his position hasn’t changed. But sources suggest his management team is actively exploring options. The recent appointment of Laurent Mekies as Red Bull’s new team boss — and the reshuffle that followed — might not be enough to keep Max locked in.

What Comes Next?

The removal of Horner has brought momentary calm, but the long-term questions loom large. Did Jos and Max save Red Bull from self-destruction, or did they simply ignite a deeper implosion?

Without Horner, Red Bull has lost its most experienced political operator. The man who once held the paddock in the palm of his hand has been reduced to silence. Rumors swirl about a return — perhaps with Alpine, Audi, or even Mercedes if Toto steps aside — but many believe Horner’s F1 journey has ended.

Then there’s the still-unresolved shadow of scandal. The allegations that first rocked Horner’s position in early 2024 — despite being dismissed — never fully disappeared. Jos Verstappen, it’s been reported, was close friends with the complainant. His calls for Horner’s dismissal began not after technical complaints, but after that controversy broke. Was this revenge, or just strategy wrapped in personal vendetta?

The Verdict

Red Bull now stands at a crossroads. New leadership is in place. Max Verstappen, for now, is still onboard. But the cost of this civil war is steep. A once-unshakable team has been gutted from within. Its most successful leader is gone. Its star driver is uncommitted. Its constructors’ title is in jeopardy.

F1 fans are left to wonder — was this the bold reset Red Bull needed, or the beginning of a dynasty’s downfall?

Either way, the Verstappen family just proved they are the most powerful force in Formula 1 — and perhaps, the most dangerous.

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