According to former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, the shock departure of Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing is deeply intertwined with the future of Max Verstappen. But the real question is: how exactly are the two events connected?
A Stunning Twist Before the Summer Break
Just days before the 2025 Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone — the final race before the sport’s traditional summer break — the Formula 1 world was left reeling by the dramatic and sudden decision from Red Bull Racing: the termination of Team Principal Christian Horner with immediate effect. The British manager had led the Milton Keynes-based team for nearly two decades, overseeing two dominant eras — first with Sebastian Vettel and, more recently, with Max Verstappen, who has won the last four consecutive world championships.
The Million-Dollar Question
Despite the official announcement, the true reasons behind Horner’s dismissal remain unclear. What is certain, however, is that Horner will technically remain on the team’s books until January 2026, as he is now placed on what’s known as “gardening leave” — a period during which he cannot work for rival teams. This ambiguity has led many in the Formula 1 community to speculate about what truly lies behind Red Bull’s decision, including former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya.
Speaking to BetVictor Casino, the Colombian offered his perspective on the situation:
“I think Christian Horner’s sacking came as a surprise to everyone. For the past year and a half, there have been rumors that he might leave due to all the internal drama going on at Red Bull. I believe major changes are on the horizon for the team — and they’re needed. But here’s the million-dollar question: Did Red Bull get rid of Horner because Max Verstappen is leaving? Or did they get rid of Horner to stop Max from leaving? That’s the question everyone will be asking in the coming weeks and months, until we finally find out what Max is going to do.”
Verstappen, Mercedes, and Sardinian Rumors
Juan Pablo Montoya also expressed sympathy for Christian Horner, acknowledging all the success he had brought to the Red Bull team over two decades. However, he admitted that the real mystery may deepen as new rumors surface — particularly the latest ones from Germany suggesting that Max Verstappen and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff are currently vacationing in Sardinia. This could indicate a potential private meeting to discuss Verstappen’s possible future with the Silver Arrows and a switch to Mercedes headquarters in Brackley.
“I feel sorry for Christian considering everything he has done for the team,” Montoya continued. “But everything happens for a reason, and we’ll just have to wait and see what the outcome is. Personally, I think Horner’s departure is strongly tied to Max possibly leaving Red Bull. Whether Max stays or goes — that will remain the biggest question everyone in the paddock and beyond will be focusing on.”
A Red Bull in Crisis Mode
Montoya went on to suggest that Horner’s departure is just one part of a larger, more disruptive overhaul taking place within Red Bull Racing. The team has already confirmed Laurent Mekies as the new Team Principal and CEO — a major leadership change — while legendary designer Adrian Newey has also recently left the organization. According to Montoya, this puts Red Bull in a highly vulnerable position.
“Red Bull is a tough team to manage,” said the Colombian. “They now need to completely rebuild their internal structure. Adrian Newey is gone, and they have to put together a new technical foundation. Long term, I believe Red Bull will bounce back. But in the short term, it’s going to be very difficult for them to stabilize everything and hire the right people. From the outside, it’s going to be fascinating to watch how this all unfolds.”
Montoya’s comments capture the uncertainty and tension currently surrounding Red Bull Racing — a team that, despite dominating the last few seasons, now faces major leadership upheaval and an unclear future with its star driver.
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