At the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, Jos Verstappen has finally spoken publicly about the departure of Christian Horner from his role as Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal. This marked the first time that Max Verstappen’s father addressed the leadership change within the Austrian team.
The controversy surrounding Christian Horner began at the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season, when Jos Verstappen publicly called for his removal. At the time, Jos had claimed that the team was at risk of being “torn apart” under Horner’s leadership. This internal tension came to light following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior made against Horner, which ultimately sparked a deep divide within the team, with staff members reportedly aligning into opposing factions.
Although Christian Horner was officially cleared by Red Bull’s internal investigation, he was nevertheless relieved of his operational responsibilities in early July 2025. In his place, the team appointed Laurent Mekies as the new Team Principal. Mekies, a former executive at Ferrari, FIA, and Racing Bulls, has been described as a more diplomatic and unifying figure, tasked with healing divisions within the Red Bull camp.
This leadership transition could carry significant implications for Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull. Despite being under contract with the team until the end of the 2028 season, Max Verstappen has been the subject of persistent rumors suggesting a possible early exit. According to paddock speculation, the Verstappen family—particularly Jos—may have played a key role in the internal pressures that led to Horner’s eventual departure.
When approached by Sky Sports F1 for his thoughts on the new management, Jos Verstappen responded in a calm and measured tone, saying: “They decided to make a change. I’m fine with everything.” When reminded of his harsh public criticism of Horner over a year earlier, Verstappen Sr. downplayed the past comments, replying: “That was a year and a half ago. Things are different now. I have nothing more to say. Everything is fine.”
At that point, former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg lightheartedly remarked, “Now you’re being quiet.” Jos Verstappen quickly responded: “I’m always quiet.”
For now, Max Verstappen’s position at Red Bull appears more stable, especially in light of Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff’s recent confirmation that the Silver Arrows will proceed with George Russell and young Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli as their driver line-up for the 2026 season. This statement seems to rule out any immediate plans to lure Verstappen away, and counters speculation that Mercedes was attempting to destabilize the grid by courting the reigning world champion.
Overall, the quiet diplomacy shown by Jos Verstappen at Spa-Francorchamps suggests that the Verstappen camp is currently content with the changes within Red Bull—at least for now.
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