In a bombshell twist that’s rocking the F1 paddock, the controversy behind Christian Horner’s sudden dismissal from Red Bull Racing has deepened—dragging the Verstappen family into the spotlight
According to insiders, Jos—known for his intense, often protective influence over Max’s career—allegedly pushed for changes within Red Bull during the peak of internal tensions. With Max’s star power still rising, Jos is believed to have made calculated moves behind the scenes, aligning personal relationships with strategic interests to consolidate his son’s standing within the team.
What started in 2022 as a workplace misconduct allegation against Horner has now taken on a far more complex dimension. Reports suggest the female employee behind the accusations was involved in a personal relationship with none other than Jos Verstappen, father of Max Verstappen. The revelation has sparked a firestorm of speculation about whether Horner’s removal was more than just disciplinary—it may have been political.
This paints Horner’s exit in a new light—not merely as fallout from HR issues, but potentially as the result of a power play inside the Red Bull camp, orchestrated to protect Max’s dominance and maintain family control over key team dynamics
In parallel, whispers of Max Verstappen possibly leaving Red Bull had started to circulate. But Jos, aware of the storm brewing and likely orchestrating part of it, reportedly advised his son to stay put—prioritizing long-term control over short-term disruption
For Red Bull, the fallout is brutal. A team once seen as unified is now the center of intense scrutiny, with fans and analysts questioning how personal relationships could influence professional decisions at the highest level of motorsport. The leadership culture is under fire, and future hiring decisions will likely come under far greater scrutiny
With Laurent Mekies now stepping in to fill Horner’s shoes, the road ahead will not be easy. The Red Bull brand—once bulletproof—must now weather both the media storm and internal damage control.
One thing is certain: this is no ordinary F1 scandal. It’s a saga of power, protection, and behind-the-scenes politics that could change how Red Bull—and perhaps the entire sport—handles internal affairs going forward.
