‘Became Personal,’ F1 Pundit Asserts Max Verstappen Needed Christian Horner Gone to Stay at Red Bull

Red Bull has finally sacked Team Principal Christian Horner amid rumors of escalating tensions with the team. The 51-year-old had led Milton Keynes for over 20 years, ever since the debut season in 2005. However, things had started to collapse within the Austrian team. Now, F1 pundit Martin Brundle has highlighted that Horner’s exit might’ve been the only way to retain Max Verstappen.

Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull till the end of 2028. However, the Dutchman has an exit clause if he wants to leave the team. Following a dismal run this year, rumors emerged that Max Verstappen could ditch Red Bull for Mercedes.

Red Bull’s performance was not the only issue for the reigning world champion. As per reports, Max Verstappen’s camp wanted Christian Horner gone, as they had lost faith in the Briton. So much so, Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen was never reluctant to publicly criticize Horner.

While Max Verstappen’s management has made it clear that the 27-year-old had no involvement in Horner’s exit, his influence might’ve played a role. Martin Brundle reckoned that sacking Christian Horner will make it more likely for Verstappen to continue at Milton Keynes. He claimed that the situation had become personal between the Verstappen camp and the Red Bull team boss.

It perhaps makes it more likely that the Verstappens (Jos and Max) will stay there. I think it became quite personal.

Martin Brundle told Sky Sports

Max Verstappen wants to end his career at Red Bull

The reigning world champion has raced for Milton Keynes since the 2016 Spanish GP. Over the years, Max Verstappen has established himself as an all-time great with dominant runs in the sport. Red Bull played a major role in shaping the Dutch driver to what he is today, after first joining the driver program in 2014. It is thus no surprise that the 27-year-old wouldn’t want to leave the Austrian team.