Was Max Verstappen a part of the meetings to get rid of Horner?

19:02, 09 Jul

Updated: 22:04, 09 Jul

bySavannah Lenz

Max Verstappen plays a pivotal role at Red Bull Racing. For the past few years, he has been their number 1 driver and miles ahead of his teammates. Did he have a say in Christian Horner leaving?

Verstappen in meeting with Mintzlaff

While Christian Horner cites his abrupt departure as a complete shock, there were meetings held beforehand. What was said in the meetings is, of course, not known. What is known is the outcome. After 20 years, Horner has been fired and removed as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing.

GPBlog understands that Verstappen was a part of a meeting with the CEO of Corporate Projects and New Investments of Red Bull, Oliver Mintzlaff.

It is understood by this media outlet that Verstappen's two key factors in determining whether or not the Dutchman stayed at Red Bull were a better technical performance in terms of the car's development, and a harmonious environment within the team. Furthermore GPblog also learned that it would have been in Verstappen's interest to have Horner's powers at least curtailed.

Whether the meeting between the German CEO and the reigning F1 world champion was with regards to Horner's departure from Red Bull Racing it is not yet known.