Red Bull dropped a bombshell on Wednesday by announcing that CEO and team principal Christian Horner was leaving his role, having led the Formula 1 team for 20 years

Max Verstappen has broken his silence after Red Bull sacked boss Christian Horner. A statement on Wednesday morning confirmed that Horner, 51, had left his role as CEO and team principal.

Mirror Sport understands that Horner was sacked, having enjoyed 20 years in the role. Horner was the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1, leading Red Bull to eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ titles during his time in charge of the Milton Keynes-based team.

Four of those Drivers’ titles belong to Verstappen, who Horner signed for Red Bull ahead of the 2017 season. The Dutchman has now posted a message on social media, thanking Horner for helping him become a dominant force in F1.

“From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes,” Verstappen wrote. “Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”

Members of the paddock have speculated that Horner’s exit has been brewing since he was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague in February 2024, allegations which he always denied. Red Bull chiefs launched an investigation, including hiring an external KC who interviewed him for hours, and they later cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Despite Verstappen winning his fourth drivers’ title in a row last year, Red Bull’s competitors had made up significant ground over the course of the season. McLaren ended their stronghold on the Constructors’ title which prompted Horner to axe Verstappen’s team-mate, Sergio Perez.

His replacement, Liam Lawson, was given just two race weekends in 2025, failing to score a single point. Their fortunes have barely improved with Yuki Tsunoda in the car, putting additional pressure on Verstappen to deliver.

The 27-year-old has won two Grands Prix this season but has complained about the state of Red Bull’s RB21. Verstappen has been heavily linked a move to rival team Mercedes in 2026, with other senior Red Bull figures such as legendary designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley having left over the past year.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen won four Drivers’ Championships and two Constructors’ titles together (
Image:
Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
His future remains in the spotlight after Horner’s departure. In a statement, Red Bull said: “After 20 years with the Team, Christian Horner departs Oracle Red Bull Racing as Team Principal and CEO.

“We thank him for his tireless and exceptional work. He has been instrumental in building this Team into one of the most successful in F1, with eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Championships. Thank you for everything Christian, you will forever remain an important part of our team’s history.”

Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, added: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.

“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”