Brundle sees shifts in Verstappen's Red Bull future after Horner's sacking

07:44, 12 Jul

Updated: 11:12, 12 Jul

byToby Nixon

Martin Brundle believes that Max Verstappen is more likely to stay at Red Bull after they sacked team boss Christian Horner earlier this week.

The former F1 driver had previously admitted that he was 'shocked and saddened' by Horner's sudden sacking, but explained what it might mean for Verstappen's future in-depth.

The father of the four-time world champion, Jos, was not a fan of Horner, explaining his view on multiple occasions.

Red Bull has decided that now is the time to make a change and sacked Horner on Wednesday morning.

The Milton Keynes-based team haven't performed optimally in 2025 and sits fourth in the constructors standings, 288 points behind first-placed McLaren at the midpoint of the season.

Horner has still not commented publicly on his sacking, although he gave his Red Bull team an emotional speech on his last day at Milton Keynes.

Brundle: 'Horner exit makes Verstappen more likely to stay'

"It perhaps makes it more likely that the Verstappens [Jos and Max] will stay there. I think it became quite personal," Brundle explained on Sky Sports F1.

"Every point, podium and victory Max has through his own genius driving, is in a Red Bull car. He's often said he wants to see his career out at Red Bull if he can. They are debuting their own engine for the first time next year, in what will be the biggest change in F1 history of car and power unit, at the same time.

Horner was swiftly replaced by former Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies. His vacant role was then filled by former Alpine technical director Alan Permane.

"Christian has been in the driving seat of that aspect of the team completely. Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month.

"Does this mean he's more likely to go or stay? I can only surmise it means he's more likely to stay at the team."