Verstappen reacts to Horner’s sacking: ‘He was like family’

15:38, 24 Jul

Updated: 17:37, 24 Jul

byLuke-John Buckle

Red Bull have been under the microscope in recent weeks, and Max Verstappen explained that Christian Horner was like family.

Horner is no longer the team principal at Red Bull, and the outfit's results have declined throughout this season.

This has caused a seismic shift within the team, which has been so successful in recent years with Verstappen, as Horner has been Red Bull's only team principal since the team joined the grid in 2005.

He has now been replaced by Laurent Mekies, who is stepping up from Racing Bulls, while Alan Permane is leading the sister team.

Verstappen has been integral to Red Bull's success, having won the last four world championships while Horner was at the helm.

Verstappen said Horner was like "a second family"

The Dutchman told GPblog and others on Thursday ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix: "At the end of the day management, and of course the shareholders decided they wanted a change. And at the end of the day, they run the team. And I'm the driver, so whatever they decide is fully in their right to do what they want.

"And that's basically how it happened. And at the same time now, sitting here, you look back at those 20 years of Red Bull, I think we've had a lot of great years, great results. Now, next year, of course, are also years where it's not going that well, and I think the last one and a half years have not gone how we would have liked.

"And, management decided they wanted to steer the ship in a different direction, probably. And then, everyone else, of course, has to agree to that and look forward. And I am looking forward, of course, I had already quite a few meetings with Laurent as well, the last two weeks have been quite intense, to jump in.

"I'm equally excited for the team now moving forward because that's what we have to do. Looking back, it doesn't make sense, it's not going to make you faster, but at the same time, we do appreciate it because it's what he is.

"Especially from my side, 10, 11 years of being part of Red Bull, those things will always be remembered, and the relationship between myself and Christian, for example, that doesn't change. Of course, he's not here now during a race weekend, but it's still like a second family to me."

Red Bull had incredible success while Horner was team principal but 2025 is more frustrating with Verstappen only managing two wins.

The Austrian team sits fourth in the Constructors' Championship as McLaren continues to set the pace.