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Jos Verstappen reveals how Max’s attitude at Red Bull changed after Horner exit

Originally posted on HITC | By Tyler Rowlinson | Last updated Nov 6, 2025 7:14 AM ET

Max Verstappen’s team was thrown into chaos halfway through 2025 when Red Bull announced the dismissal of Christian Horner.

The split followed months of tension behind the scenes. Horner had well-publicised clashes with figures like Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen, both influential voices within the sport.

Jos Verstappen’s dispute with Horner became highly public, especially as it impacted Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull. As tensions escalated, Jos made it clear he felt Horner was no longer the right fit for the team.

Meanwhile, speculation mounted around Max Verstappen’s future with the team, fuelled by growing interest from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. Frustration over Red Bull’s progress on their 2025 car and concerns about their long-term direction added to those rumours.

Horner’s standing had become fragile for some time before his July exit, which came two months prior to his full release from duties in September. Reports linking Verstappen to Wolff were already circulating during that period.

Jos Verstappen says Max Verstappen enjoying life at Red Bull again

Max Verstappen has recommitted to Red Bull through at least 2026, saying he’s once again confident in the team’s direction under new principal Laurent Mekies.

Mekies has placed more focus on technical progress and input from drivers, a shift that appears to be paying off. Verstappen is firmly back in the championship mix, trailing Lando Norris by just 36 points ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Photo by Jayce Illman/Getty Images

According to his father Jos, it’s clear Verstappen is back enjoying life at Red Bull. Jos told De Telegraaf that he feels comfortable with Mekies running things and believes his son is in a good spot.

“Not that I interfere with his driving, because Max hasn’t needed that for a long time,” said Jos. “The fact that he still has a chance at the world title is already a huge bonus. Especially when you compare it to the situation around the summer break.

“The atmosphere in the team is completely different. I have a good relationship with team boss Laurent Mekies and it gives me a lot of peace of mind to see how much fun Max is having again. He’s in good hands.”

Max Verstappen’s happier mood could be crucial for Red Bull’s future beyond 2026

Even though those close to Verstappen insist they had nothing to do with Horner’s removal, Jos Verstappen’s reaction in the Red Bull hospitality area at Spa suggested he was relieved by the change.

Some within Red Bull believed Jos played a role in stirring up rumours of a Mercedes switch, hoping it would help his son move teams. The Silver Arrows haven’t lost interest in Verstappen either, and Wolff would likely make another move if he became available.

Verstappen’s contract runs through 2028 but includes more lenient exit clauses from 2026. It is understood that if he isn’t in the top two of the standings, an early release could be on the table.

He plans to evaluate how competitive Red Bull’s engine is next year before making any decisions about staying long-term. Still, after months of instability, there are finally signs that things are settling down.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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