Jos Verstappen shares how Max Verstappen has changed since Christian Horner left Red Bull

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Max Verstappen’s camp were in turmoil midway through 2025 as Red Bull announced the sacking of team principal Christian Horner.

The news came after months of conflict behind the scenes at the Milton Keynes outfit. Horner was known to have had public feuds with several key figures, including Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen.

The latter’s drama with the 51-year-old was far more publicised, as it directly affected the future of his son, four-time champion Max Verstappen. As the situation worsened, Jos Verstappen felt Red Bull would fall apart if Horner stayed in his position.

Speculation grew that Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull for Mercedes amid interest from Toto Wolff. The Dutchman and his camp were said to be unsatisfied with Red Bull’s development of the 2025 car and were concerned heading into 2026.

With Horner’s position being almost untenable, he was dismissed as team principal back in July and was relieved of all duties in September. Verstappen’s camp deny rumours they forced Horner out of Red Bull.

Jos Verstappen has ‘peace of mind’ as Max Verstappen is having fun again at Red Bull

Verstappen has now committed to Red Bull for at least 2026. He has regained his confidence in the team under new team principal Laurent Mekies.

With a larger emphasis on technical development and driver feedback, the 28-year-old has got himself back in the title hunt. He sits 36 points behind Lando Norris heading into the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Verstappen is having fun again at Red Bull, according to father Jos. Speaking to De Telegraaf, he now has ‘peace of mind’ with Mekies in charge, saying his son is in ‘good hands’.

“Not that I interfere with his driving, because Max hasn’t needed that for a long time,” said Jos. “The fact that he still has a chance at the world title is already a huge bonus. Especially when you compare it to the situation around the summer break.

“The atmosphere in the team is completely different. I have a good relationship with team boss Laurent Mekies and it gives me a lot of peace of mind to see how much fun Max is having again. He’s in good hands.”

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Max Verstappen’s improved mood is vital for Red Bull to keep him beyond 2026

While those close to the Dutchman say that they did not influence Horner’s sacking, Jos Verstappen had a ‘telling’ reaction in the Red Bull hospitality at Spa. He was keen to see a change in the team for the sake of his son’s future.

Red Bull staff accused Jos of fuelling the Mercedes links to try and get his son a move away. The Silver Arrows remain interested in the four-time champion, and Wolff will certainly want him in his team if he becomes available.

Verstappen has more favourable exit clauses in 2026, which could facilitate an early departure from his contract, which expires in 2028. The feeling is that the Dutchman will be allowed to leave if he is not in the top two of the championship.

He wants to see where Red Bull’s in-house engine is in 2026 before making a decision on his future. But it is clear that the team are moving in the right direction after months of drama.