Christian Horner’s sour relationship with Max Verstappen’s father Jos played a role in the Red Bull team principal’s sudden dismissal, former Formula One team boss Gunther Steiner has claimed.
Horner’s tenure as boss of Red Bull was dramatically brought to an end on Wednesday, ending a 20-year chapter in charge of a team he led to 14 world championships.
Red Bull’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, who announced they had released Horner with immediate effect, did not state a reason for his exit.
Horner’s departure comes 17 months after he was accused by a female staff member of “inappropriate behaviour”. Horner, 51, always denied the claims and was twice exonerated.
However, Verstappen Snr claimed back in March of last year that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner was not moved on, and it has been speculated this his departure is a power play by the Verstappen camp.
And former Haas team principal Steiner said: “There was open criticism, it was not hearsay. Jos openly critiqued the management of Red Bull, mainly Christian, so we were all fully aware that relationship wasn’t good.
“Max is the best driver at the moment and has got a big say in the team, so if he didn’t get on, or his father didn’t get on with Christian, for sure, that played a role in it.”
Christian, your 20-year leadership has shaped the very identity of Red Bull Racing, from ambitious newcomers to multiple World Champions.
Thank you for the memories and the milestones that will leave a lasting legacy here in Milton Keynes for generations to come
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