Max Verstappen sends emotional Christian Horner message after his Red Bull exit is confirmed

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Max Verstappen has reacted to the news that Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties as Red Bull Racing team principal.

Christian Horner played a pivotal role in Max Verstappen’s emergence as one of the most dominant forces in Formula 1 history.

Verstappen was handed his debut in Formula 1 at Toro Rosso at the start of the 2015 season, but it was his promotion to Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix that made headlines.

After Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided, Verstappen won his maiden race for Horner’s team, and the rest is history.

Now, after 198 Grand Prix together, their time has come to an end, with Horner sacked by Red Bull at the halfway stage of the 2025 F1 season.

Verstappen has released a short statement thanking Horner for his help throughout his career.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Max Verstappen thanks Christian Horner for ‘incredible successes’ after Red Bull exit

Posting on social media, Verstappen said: “From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes.

“Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”

Verstappen has won 65 races in his Formula 1 career, leading to four drivers’ championships and the joint-most pole positions of any Red Bull driver (44).

It’s a record he shares with Sebastian Vettel and broke at the British Grand Prix with a spellbinding lap that few expected.

However, Red Bull’s performance has suffered this season, with Verstappen ruling himself out of title contention.

He currently sits 69 points behind McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, and ultimately, Red Bull feel Horner is responsible for the downturn in form.

READ MORE: Know all about Red Bull team principal Christian Horner with net worth to wife

How Red Bull staff reacted to Christian Horner’s sacking

Red Bull staff were emotional when told by Horner that he would no longer be team principal heading into the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of July.

He had by far the longest tenure of any current team principal, with the accolade of longest-serving team boss now falling to Toto Wolff at Mercedes.

David Croft spotted Horner leaving the factory, with the role of running Red Bull now handed over to Laurent Mekies.

It’s a huge task turning the team around, with several factors that need to be immediately considered.

Mekies must convince Verstappen to stay at Red Bull amid interest from Mercedes, and it will be interesting to see how this news impacts the driver market.

Yuki Tsunoda’s form is also a concern, and with his contract expiring at the end of the year, securing the two best possible drivers for Red Bull is essential.

Finally, the 2026 regulation changes bring a whole raft of new challenges for Mekies, with Red Bull working alongside Ford to produce their own power units for the very first time.