Verstappen looks back on ‘incredible successes’ as he reacts to Horner’s Red Bull exit

Max Verstappen has paid tribute to outgoing Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner, reflecting on their “incredible successes” and “breaking countless records” together.

Red Bull announced on Wednesday that Horner had left his role with immediate effect after more than 20 years at the helm – the Briton guiding the outfit into their first F1 season back in 2005.

Verstappen stepped up to Red Bull from sister team Toro Rosso in the early stages of the 2016 campaign and won on his debut at the Spanish Grand Prix, marking the start of a hugely successful run.

Since then, Verstappen has added 64 more victories, 116 more podiums and 44 pole positions, while winning the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Drivers’ Championships on the bounce.

A few hours on from the news of Horner’s departure being confirmed, Verstappen posted a short statement via his social media channels.

“From my first race win, to four World Championships, we have shared incredible successes,” read Verstappen’s note. “Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”

As such, Verstappen will have a new team boss from the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, with Laurent Mekies moving over from Racing Bulls to take Horner’s spot.

Mekies will in turn be replaced as Racing Bulls Team Principal by experienced engineer Alan Permane, who joined the team at the start of 2024 as their Racing Director.