Max Verstappen reacts to Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull

Max Verstappen paid tribute to Christian Horner, the outgoing director of Red Bull Racing, reflecting on their incredible successes and the countless records they broke together.

Read also: By the numbers: the collaboration between Christian Horner and Red Bull

Max Verstappen reacts to Christian Horner’s departure

Red Bull announced on Wednesday the immediate departure of Christian Horner, after more than 20 years at the helm of the team – the Briton having led the team since its first F1 season in 2005.

Max Verstappen joined Red Bull from the sister team Toro Rosso at the beginning of the 2016 season, winning his first race on his debut at the Spanish Grand Prix, marking the start of an impressive series of successes.

Since then, the Dutchman has added 64 victories, 116 podium finishes, and 44 pole positions to his record, securing the world champion titles in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

A few hours after the official announcement of Christian Horner’s departure, Max Verstappen posted a brief message on his social media: “From my first race win to our four world titles, we shared incredible success,” wrote the driver. “We won memorable races and broke countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”

Max Verstappen will therefore have a new team director from the next Belgian Grand Prix, as Laurent Mekies, coming from Racing Bulls, succeeds Christian Horner.

On his side, Laurent Mekies will be replaced at Racing Bulls by the seasoned engineer Alan Permane, who joined the team at the beginning of 2024 as track operations director.

From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian! pic.twitter.com/au4XjMqhlH

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 9, 2025