Verstappen Approves Horner’s Exit: “Red Bull’s Winning Culture Was Lost”

“The Red Bull style was lost,” Verstappen admitted in a candid interview with Sky Sports. “We weren’t the same team anymore.” The Dutchman pointed to internal divisions, a loss of technical leadership, and a sharp drop in performance as proof that “a change was needed.”

The Decline: “We Weren’t Red Bull Anymore”

Verstappen’s criticism of Red Bull’s 2024–25 trajectory was blunt. The team went from a record-breaking 21 wins in 2023 to just two wins in the first 12 races of 2025. “We went from untouchable to struggling. That’s not Red Bull,” he said.

Beyond the track, the exits of Adrian Newey (to Aston Martin) and Jonathan Wheatley (to Sauber/Audi) were critical blows. “Adrian was the brain. Losing him changed everything,” Verstappen noted.

Internal Strife and Management

The atmosphere within Milton Keynes reportedly turned toxic due to power struggles involving Helmut Marko and the public feud between Horner and Jos Verstappen. Max admitted, « The team was divided. That’s not how we won titles. » Furthermore, sources suggest Horner “lost focus” amid off-track controversies, impacting the team’s energy.

“Christian did amazing things for me and the team. But in the end, the results speak. We weren’t Red Bull anymore.”
— Max Verstappen

The Bigger Picture: End of an Era

Horner’s departure marks a massive structural shift for the team as they prepare for the 2026 regulations. The team is moving from a centralized leadership model to a more delegated structure under Laurent Mekies.

The Unanswered Question: Verstappen’s Future

Verstappen’s contract runs to 2028, but it contains exit clauses. He is “watching closely” how the team handles the transition to the new in-house Ford-powered engine. “If the car is good, I stay. If not, we’ll see,” he hinted. With Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitting they still talk, the pressure is on Red Bull to deliver a title contender immediately.

Conclusion

Verstappen’s approval of Horner’s exit isn’t about betrayal—it’s about survival. Red Bull’s 2025 struggles proved that even legends can lose their way. Now, with a new leadership structure and a critical 2026 season ahead, the team has one year to prove it’s still the Red Bull Verstappen signed up for.