Max Verstappen and Co. Allegedly Want Christian Horner Removed from Red Bull

Max Verstappen's recent alleged demands could see Christian Horner be forced to give up his multiple leadership roles within Red Bull.

Max Verstappen and Co. Allegedly Want Christian Horner Removed from Red Bull

Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (via Red Bull Content Pool)

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Christian Horner has been one of the most crucial elements of Red Bull Racing, leading the team since its inception in 2005. The Austrian constructor suffered extreme ups and downs since then, but Horner was the one keeping the team under control. However, the recent few years haven’t been forgiving for the 51-year-old as he has been accused of sexually transgressive behavior with a female employee of the team. While nothing came of the allegations, recent credible reports suggest that Max Verstappen is looking at options to get the Englishman snubbed from the team soon.

Max Verstappen‘s time at Red Bull has remained extremely troublesome, especially in the recent couple of years. Due to this, multiple rumors have come up about the Dutchman seeking to join rival teams in the coming season. Mercedes’ deep interest in the 27-year-old has continued despite Brackley seemingly stable in their drivers’ lineup. Moreover, Verstappen would be unable to leave Milton Keynes so easily if the performance clause really exists.

Notably, the performance clause reportedly states that Max Verstappen must be P4 or below in order to consider quitting the team. However, Verstappen and Co. are allegedly planning yet another route to exit the Austrian constructor. According to AMuS, the Dutchman is now looking into forcing a strategic restructuring of the team. This would put Christian Horner under fire and force him to give up crucial aspects of his work within Red Bull to fulfill the reigning world champion’s requirements.

While nothing is certain, this demand from Max Verstappen has reportedly caused Horner to fall under immense pressure. The Briton has led the team for over two decades and has become more than just the team principal at Milton Keynes. Still, Verstappen’s requirement states that the leadership roles within the team should be divided among multiple people, similar to McLaren currently. The sexually transgressive conduct from the team principal against a female employee has already been deemed false, as there isn’t a concrete reason to axe the long-time serving personnel.

Red Bull fears brand value will drop if Max Verstappen leaves

It wouldn’t be wrong to note that Max Verstappen has single-handedly kept Red Bull’s image clean in recent years. The Dutchman has emerged as the most consistent point achiever for the constructor in Formula 1. As such, Verstappen’s exit could harm the energy drink manufacturer’s value and image as a whole. Due to this, the Austrian giant’s leaders, notably Chalerm Yoovidhya, are reportedly warming up to the idea of snubbing Christian Horner to achieve a more distributed leadership internally.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Apart from Christian Horner’s snubbing, Helmut Marko is also expected to leave the team soon due to his age being a factor. The 81-year-old is reportedly being considered to be replaced by Red Bull’s previous four-time champion, Sebastian Vettel. While Vettel would be a great addition to the team, this could be the first step towards Horner’s doom within the team. Regardless, the Englishman has garnered over 21 years of experience leading a team like Milton Keynes and wouldn’t be so dispensable.

Red Bull needs to focus on their performance slump in the 2025 season. Despite Max Verstappen seemingly giving it his all, he is likely to lose a lot of confidence in the team. Moreover, with Mercedes ever ready to swoop in and snatch the reigning world champion, Milton Keynes must do much better. Even though Verstappen has shown his loyalty to the Austrian outfit at all times, anything can happen as Formula 1 is a performance-based sport and does not thrive on a relationship between two parties.

Read More: Max Verstappen Gives Honest Verdict on F1 Title Prospects After Austrian GP DNF