Max Verstappen Pays Tribute to Departing Red Bull Boss Christian Horner

Max Verstappen has paid an emotional tribute to Christian Horner following the shock announcement that the long-serving Red Bull Racing Team Principal is stepping down with immediate effect. Horner, who has led the team since its inception in 2005, leaves behind a legacy of dominance, innovation, and history-making moments in Formula 1.

Horner’s departure marks the end of an era for Red Bull, a team he guided from humble beginnings to one of the most formidable forces in the sport. Under his leadership, Red Bull has claimed multiple Constructors’ Championships and cultivated world-class talent, most notably Max Verstappen, who has become the defining driver of this generation.

Verstappen, who joined Red Bull from Toro Rosso during the 2016 season, paid tribute to Horner’s role in shaping his career and the team’s unprecedented success. The Dutchman famously won his first race for Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the youngest race winner in F1 history—a victory that signaled the beginning of a record-breaking partnership.

“Christian has been an essential part of my journey in Formula 1,” Verstappen said in a statement. “Together, we’ve achieved incredible successes and broken countless records. He believed in me at a very young age and gave me the opportunity to race at the highest level with a top team. For that, I will always be grateful.”

Since that maiden victory, Verstappen has amassed 65 Grand Prix wins, 44 pole positions, and 117 podiums, and has clinched four consecutive Drivers’ Championships from 2021 to 2024. Red Bull, under Horner’s stewardship, also secured multiple Constructors’ titles during this period, cementing their status as the team to beat in modern F1.

Horner’s impact goes beyond the statistics. He was known for his calm leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to building a winning culture. His ability to navigate the political complexities of F1 while fostering technical innovation made him one of the most respected figures in the paddock.

“It’s hard to put into words what Christian has meant to this team and to me personally,” Verstappen added. “We’ve been through highs and lows, and it’s been an incredible ride. His passion, his vision, and his leadership have helped shape Red Bull Racing into what it is today.”

The team has not yet named Horner’s successor, but his departure raises significant questions about Red Bull’s future direction. For Verstappen, however, the focus remains on continuing the momentum they’ve built together—even as one of the key architects of Red Bull’s golden era takes his final bow.

As the paddock absorbs the news, one thing is certain: Christian Horner leaves behind a team—and a driver—forever changed by his leadership.