Verstappen's manager responds to Horner's sudden dismissal from Red Bull

13:08, 09 Jul

Updated: 13:33, 09 Jul

byNicole Mulder

Following Christian Horner’s dismissal as team principal of Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has commented on the situation. He emphasised that the decision was made internally by Red Bull GmbH and stated that the Verstappen camp is staying out of the matter.

Verstappen's manager Vermeulen reacts to Horner's dismissal

Vermeulen has confirmed that he was informed by the top management of Red Bull. “We were briefed in advance by Red Bull’s management that this decision had been made,” Vermeulen is quoted by De Telegraaf.

“It's up to Red Bull to provide further explanation regarding the reasons. We continue to focus on the sporting side and are looking for more performance, so we can return to the top. In that regard, nothing changes.”

On Wednesday morning, it was announced that Christian Horner was relieved of his duties after more than twenty years.

The decision came after consultations between shareholders Chalerm Yoovidhya and Mark Mateschitz, along with Red Bull’s head of sport, Oliver Mintzlaff.

Red Bull has been underperforming this season, currently sitting fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. The team has also experienced a wave of high-profile departures, including Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, and Will Courtenay.

Horner had been at the helm of the team since 2005 and was closely involved in the development of Red Bull Racing and the world titles with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen

In 2024, he came under pressure again due to internal tensions and disappointing results. A flood of reactions followed the news about Horner.