4-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen has stated he has been in touch with former Crimson Bull staff principal Christian Horner “on a race-by-race” foundation since his sacking.
Horner has been on the helm of the Crimson Bull staff since making his F1 debut in 2005, main the staff to 4 world titles alongside Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
Nevertheless, in 2024, he was suspected of inappropriate conduct, and though he was later cleared of the costs, the ambiance inside Crimson Bull deteriorated and tensions escalated over the next 12 months.
Horner was relieved of his duties in July as Crimson Bull fell down the competitors, and Laurent Mequise changed him as staff principal.
Ultimately, Verstappen was two factors shy of successful his fifth world title in 2025, leaving Crimson Bull third within the constructors’ standings behind Mercedes and McLaren.
Horner ‘underneath fireplace’ for Verstappen
speak to viaplay, Verstappen revealed he’s in fixed contact with Horner.
“Issues weren’t going very properly for the entire staff,” he stated.
“By way of outcomes, there was a bit of hysteria inside the staff and when issues weren’t going properly for a very long time… on the finish of the day, the shareholders additionally wished a change as a result of they weren’t proud of how issues had been going.
“On the finish of the day, it is at all times tough. You fashioned a bond with Christian and achieved lots. Particularly in 2021, that second as properly.”
“I will always remember that. Christian went actually exhausting for me. Issues like which might be at all times tough whenever you speak to one another on the cellphone.”
“(I speak to him) each week, race after race. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, normally by textual content. But in addition on holidays, for instance. Each week.”
“Clearly he is aware of everybody on the staff, however his largest fan is, ‘I want you the very best’ and ‘I imagine in you.’
“It is one thing we have all been by way of. But in addition, ‘You understand you are able to do it.'”
“We discuss all that, however we additionally discuss issues apart from racing. Yeah, each week, each race weekend.”
