What Max Verstappen has been privately saying to Christian Horner since his Red Bull sacking

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The Belgian Grand Prix marked the first time in Red Bull’s history that Christian Horner was not their team principal for a race weekend.

The 51-year-old’s exit was confirmed not long after the British GP and came as a complete shock to the F1 world. It was also a surprise for Horner, who found himself out of Red Bull after 20 years in charge, which bought eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships.

Red Bull’s drop in performance may have the answer to Horner’s sudden dismissal, as they sit fourth in the standings. Max Verstappen had been demanding changes as he considers himself out of the title race against the McLarens.

Among those changes requested was a rumour about Horner himself, with the Dutchman allegedly wanting his powers to be limited or outright replaced. Verstappen reportedly had a ‘standoff’ with Oliver Mintzlaff about wanting the team principal gone.

But Verstappen’s camp deny that he wanted Horner sacked or that he pushed for his exit. Questions have bombarded the four-time champion in recent races over the situation, with Mercedes being heavily linked with signing Verstappen.

Max Verstappen has been sending ‘supportive messages’ to Christian Horner since Red Bull sacking

Verstappen sent Horner an emotional message on social media after his departure. He had given the 27-year-old his opportunity at Red Bull back in 2016, which led to his first F1 win on his debut at Barcelona.

But that has not been the only message Verstappen has sent to the former team principal. Journalist Nate Saunders understands that the Dutchman has sent several ‘supportive messages’ to Horner since leaving the team.

“The question to Max was twofold on Thursday, was A, how much did you know about Christian leaving? Have you spoken to him?” said Saunders via ESPN’s Unlapped podcast.

“But then B, does it change your mind going forward? And he said, and I think Lawrence and I both made this point before, a fast car is more likely to keep Max Verstappen longer term than who’s in charge.

“And from I understand, this is what’s quite interesting about it is, it does sound like Christian has had quite a lot of messages from Max since he got fired, supportive messages.

“I think that a lot of people hear that Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner didn’t get on and somehow equate that maybe means that Max didn’t get on. I think Max and him actually had a very good relationship. He referred to Christian Horner as second family.”

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

Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull for 2026, now it’s their turn to deliver

With Laurent Mekies stepping up as team principal, Verstappen seems to have settled on staying at Red Bull for 2026. Rumours had been speculating that he could activate an exit clause in his contract to join Mercedes next year, but that now does not appear likely.

Mekies made a ‘declaration of love’ for Verstappen at Spa, which looks to have convinced him to stay at Red Bull. But now the team must provide him with a competitive car heading into the 2026 F1 regulations, where they will become a works team.

Red Bull have ‘legitimate concerns’ about their 2026 engine and whether they will challenge the likes of Mercedes, who are tipped to have the quickest next year. But the F1 ‘grapevine’ says they have the edge with the ICE, not the battery, with the power unit having a 50/50 split in power output.

This proves Verstappen was right about Mercedes’ engine, as he had stressed that the batteries make every team an unknown for 2026. George Russell says Verstappen’s made a wise decision staying at Red Bull, as he can properly assess the pecking order ahead of a potential move in 2027.