The atmosphere in the paddock at the 2025 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix reached a boiling point during the traditional gridwalk segment hosted by Martin Brundle. The tension escalated when Brundle attempted to get a reaction from Jos Verstappen regarding the recent departure of Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing—a moment that quickly turned into a live TV exchange involving former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg.
This was Jos Verstappen’s first public appearance in the paddock since the dramatic end of the Christian Horner era at Red Bull, which concluded three weeks ago. The decision to part ways with Horner has sparked a wave of speculation within the paddock, especially regarding a possible behind-the-scenes influence from what many refer to as the “Team Verstappen” inner circle. Nico Rosberg did not hesitate to confront Jos Verstappen directly, referencing previous controversial comments the Dutchman had made: “Last year you said Horner had to go,” Rosberg reminded him, alluding to an earlier statement in which Jos had warned that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in charge.
The interaction between Nico Rosberg and Jos Verstappen created an awkward moment on live television, quickly becoming one of the highlights of the pre-race coverage. Responding in a measured and diplomatic tone, Jos replied: “That was a year and a half ago. Things are different now. I have nothing to say. Everything’s fine.” But Rosberg, clearly unconvinced, pressed him further: “Now you’re being quiet?” Jos, smiling, shot back: “I’ve always been quiet.” The exchange prompted an uncomfortable silence, eventually forcing Martin Brundle to steer the conversation back toward the upcoming race.
Earlier in the weekend, Martin Brundle had already made his opinion known during a broadcast on Sky F1. He remarked that the Verstappen camp had been “lobbing grenades for months,” and pointed out that Jos Verstappen had made it clear he did not want Christian Horner to continue leading the team. According to Brundle, the Verstappen family played a central role in Horner’s ousting, even suggesting that Max Verstappen may have issued an ultimatum behind closed doors: either Christian Horner leaves Red Bull, or he would consider a move to Mercedes.
Martin Brundle went even further in his commentary, stating that since the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Jos Verstappen had become the real power figure within the Red Bull Racing garage. “At times, I almost saw Jos as the team principal. Red Bull has essentially become a one-driver team. The leadership change doesn’t surprise me,” Brundle commented.
The departure of Christian Horner marks a seismic shift for Red Bull Racing, a team that he helped build and lead for over two decades. While Jos Verstappen maintained a reserved demeanor in front of the cameras, his influence behind the scenes continues to spark debate and controversy throughout the Formula 1 paddock, keeping tensions high as the championship battle intensifies.
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