Verstappen shares personal side of his relationship with Christian Horner

20:30, 02 Jan

bySamson Ero

Max Verstappen has revealed that he still keeps in touch with Christian Horner, even after the team principal’s dismissal from Red Bull Racing.

“You'll never forget that. Christian really went through fire for me.”

- Max Verstappen

The four-time world champion, who reflected on the bond shared with the former team principal, highlighted how strong their connection was during Horner’s stint at Red Bull Racing.

“Ultimately, it's always difficult. You've built up a bond with Christian and achieved so much, especially in 2021, those moments too. You'll never forget that. Christian really went through fire for me. Those kinds of things are always difficult when you talk to each other on the phone,” Verstappen said to Viaplay.

Pressed further about the frequency of communication between himself and the former Red Bull boss, Verstappen continued:

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen in Red Bull's garage - Photo: Race Pictures

“Every week, every race. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and usually via text message. But also on holiday, for example. Every week.”

The Dutch driver continued by highlighting Horner’s connection with the Red Bull team and gave a glimpse into the nature of their conversations:

“Of course, he knows everyone in the team, but it's more about ‘I wish you good luck’ and ‘I believe in you’, my biggest fan. What we've all been through. But also, ‘you know you can do it,’ all that kind of stuff. And outside of that, of course, you talk about things other than racing, too.” he concluded.

Horner was shown the exit at the Red Bull Racing outfit during the course of the 2025 season. The sacking of the British motorsport chief coincided with a dip in performance experienced by the Milton Keynes-based outfit, amid other off-track controversies he was embroiled in.

Marko blames Horner for Verstappen’s title loss

Earlier, former Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko pinned Verstappen’s championship loss on Horner.

The 82-year-old, who departed the Austrian outfit in the aftermath of the 2025 season, suggested that Verstappen would have won the drivers’ title had Horner been sacked earlier.

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