Max Verstappen releases statement as Red Bull sacks Christian Horner after 20 years

Max Verstappen has responded to the news that Red Bull has sacked Christian Horner after 20 years.

Earlier today (9 July), Red Bull Racing confirmed that Horner had been 'relieved' from his duties as Red Bull team principal with immediate effect, one year on from his sex texts scandal involving a female colleague.

"Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (9 July) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing", the statement from Red Bull GmbH read.

Horner had served as the team principle and CEO of Red Bull Racing since 2005, winning the team six World Constructors' Championship titles between between 2010 and 2023.

Verstappen has now responded to the news, publicly thanking Horner for a series of 'incredible successes' and breaking 'countless records' at Red Bull in a statement on social media.

Taking to X, Verstappen wrote: "From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!

"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," Red Bull Group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff added.

"With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."

Horner's departure from Red Bull comes at a time of increased speculation about the future of Verstappen's career, with the Dutchman being with the team since his Formula 1 debut for their sister team in 2015.

Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen has since played down rumours about the 27-year-old's potential departure, saying that Horner's sacking 'changes nothing' about the situation.

"This is a decision Red Bull has made, and we have taken note of it," Vermeulen said in a statement. "It is up to Red Bull to share the background information regarding the decision. In Red Bull's view, this is the best way forward."

The statement continued: "It is up to the parent company to hire people and make strategic choices. Nothing changes for us.

"We have a contract with Red Bull and are committed, as we have been for eleven years. Our main goal now is to get performance back. And quickly.

"Max wants to get the most out of the equipment he has at his disposal, but we also realise that the championship is no longer within his reach."

Since joining Red Bull, Verstappen has won four World Championship titles.

He remains contracted to the team until 2028.