Max Verstappen’s Former Teammate Breaks Silence on Christian Horner’s Red Bull Axe

Max Verstappen's ex-teammate Liam Lawson has finally opened up on Christian Horner and his unexpected firing from Red Bull.

Max Verstappen’s Former Teammate Breaks Silence on Christian Horner’s Red Bull Axe

Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull), Christian Horner (in circle, via Red Bull)

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Red Bull suffered from some problematic circumstances in recent months. The intense performance struggle, coupled with the massive leadership changes, has caused them even more problems. As the team now learns to operate under Christian Horner‘s absence, Max Verstappen‘s teammate for two races, Liam Lawson, weighs in on the status quo.

Liam Lawson was promoted to Red Bull for the 2025 season over Yuki Tsunoda as the team believed he was faster of the two. However, Lawson was given only two races before ultimately being demoted to Racing Bulls, and Tsunoda came to the parent team. Although being snubbed from the team in just two races, the Kiwi didn’t sense much tension within the outfit.

Christian Horner’s alleged scandal with a female employee of the team caused a lot of people to lose faith in him. Although Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing on two different occasions, people still formed a negative narrative against him, which was used to axe him from the team.

Liam Lawson was questioned about feeling the tension at Red Bull back when he raced two races with the team. Lawson pointed out that he did not feel the problems at all, especially as serious as firing Christian Horner. However, the Kiwi insisted that he did not try to get aware of everyone’s position and mindset, as he might have found something out then.

No, I don’t think so, It’s not something I noticed. If I was trying to be very aware of everybody’s position, then maybe I would figure something out.

Liam Lawson said, as reported by Motorsportweek

Speaking on his own situation at Red Bull, Liam Lawson emphasized that he had enough time to think only about himself and his worsening situation. Lawson asserted that he was aware of only the decisions that happened with him and not others. Moreover, the 23-year-old highlighted that he clearly showcased his emotions and thoughts regarding his snubbing from the team in just two races.

But I had so much to think about myself. I only know what the decisions were with what happened with me and I made that very clear to everybody how I felt about that.

Liam Lawson added

Liam Lawson refuses to compare Red Bull to sister team

Liam Lawson was demoted to Racing Bulls as he has worked with Laurent Mekies more as compared to Christian Horner. Moreover, with Mekies taking the reins at Red Bull, Lawson drew a comparison between the two leaders at Milton Keynes. The Kiwi reiterated that he wasn’t on the team long enough to comment firmly on the matter.

Laurent Mekies and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Laurent Mekies and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Still, Liam Lawson reckoned that he was within Red Bull for only two races and did not really work much with the squad present there, especially Christian Horner. The Kiwi noted that it was hard to conclude on Horner and his leadership in just two races. Moreover, he has worked far longer with Mekies, be it this season or his previous stint at Faenza.

I was at Red Bull for two races, so I didn’t really work much with Red Bull, It’s hard to say in two races. Honestly, I spent most of my time working with Laurent.

Liam Lawson noted

Red Bull will have the mountainous task of returning to regular operations after firing Christian Horner. Max Verstappen is giving it his all to perform well and maximize points for the team. However, the second driver problem at the Austrian squad still exists as they cannot seem to find a stable second driver for Verstappen. As things currently are, Milton Keynes wouldn’t return to battling for the championship anytime soon, as they shift their focus to return to their winning ways with Mekies.

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