Max Verstappen’s Departure from Red Bull Possible Amid Christian Horner Scandal

Max Verstappen Weighs Departure from Red Bull Racing Amid Horner Scandal

Max Verstappen (l.) and Red Bull principal Christian Horner (r.) celebrate Verstappen's Bahrain GP win on March 2, 2024.

Max Verstappen (l.) and Red Bull principal Christian Horner (r.) celebrate Verstappen’s Bahrain GP win on March 2, 2024.


In the midst of an ongoing scandal involving Christian Horner at Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen’s potential departure from the Formula 1 team has come into focus. According to sources close to the Verstappen family, there are indications that Max may consider leaving the team if Horner retains his position as team principal.

Christian Horner and wife Geri Halliwell arrive holding hands at the Bahrain GP on March 2, 2024.

Christian Horner and wife Geri Halliwell arrive holding hands at the Bahrain GP on March 2, 2024.


Horner, who has served as Red Bull’s racing boss since its establishment in 2005, recently faced allegations of workplace misconduct. While he was cleared of wrongdoing in an internal investigation, the situation escalated with the leak of hundreds of text messages and photos exchanged between Horner and a female employee. These developments have cast doubt on Horner’s leadership and raised questions about the team’s stability.

Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell kiss at the Bahrain GP.

Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell kiss at the Bahrain GP.


Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, has been vocal about the situation, reportedly expressing his son’s concerns to friends. Jos has called for Horner to step down, citing tensions within the team and the potential for further disruption if the current leadership remains in place.

Max Verstappen (c.) and his dad Jos (r.) with Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen (l.) on Thursday.

Max Verstappen (c.) and his dad Jos (r.) with Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen (l.) on Thursday.


Amidst the turmoil, rumors have surfaced regarding Max Verstappen’s possible move to Mercedes, a rival team in Formula 1. Speculation intensified after Jos Verstappen was seen with Mercedes-AMG Petronas team CEO Toto Wolff during the season-opening race. While Wolff has downplayed these rumors, he acknowledged the importance of performance in a driver’s decision-making process.

Geri Halliwell talks with Jos Verstappen on March 2, 2024.

Geri Halliwell talks with Jos Verstappen on March 2, 2024.


As the saga unfolds, all eyes are on Max Verstappen and his future in Formula 1. With potential implications for both Red Bull Racing and Mercedes, the ongoing developments underscore the complexities of team dynamics and driver decisions in the world of motorsport.