Overview
- Max Verstappen says he remains in weekly contact with former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, describing him as a supportive presence and “biggest fan.”
- Verstappen praised Horner for having “gone through fire” for him, while noting he communicates with him every race weekend and even during holidays.
- Red Bull dismissed Horner in July 2025 and installed Laurent Mekies, after which results improved as Verstappen mounted a late title push and finished two points short of the crown.
- The team ended the 2025 season third in the constructors’ standings behind Mercedes and McLaren following a turbulent period linked to internal power struggles and 2024 allegations later cleared.
- Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen said early-2025 mistakes under Horner’s leadership “broke” the team, even as Verstappen engineered a strong second-half recovery.