Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands (1) drives during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at the Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

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Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner Clashed Days Before Horner’s Sacking!

Jos Verstappen might be the reason behind Horner and Red Bull Racing's breakup in 2025!

There were hints about the power struggle going on at Red Bull Racing recently. Christian Horner was removed from the team some days ago with immediate effect. Horner’s exit from Red Bull Racing was a surprise decision no one saw coming. The primary reason for his removal from the team is speculated as lack of performance. There are also stories about his scandal from last year causing him trouble in 2025 at Red Bull Racing.

Although, Christian Horner’s friend and confidant, Bernie Ecclestone revealed something different. Ecclestone suggests that there was a power struggle going in Red Bull Racing. At the end Christian Horner lost his grip over the team. The former F1-supremo believes that Horner cost himself his position at Red Bull Racing trying to run the team according to his conditions. Bernie Ecclestone also said that poor performance was merely an excuse for kicking out Horner from the team.

Ralf Schumacher Claims Witnessing a “Heated” Row Between Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen

Jos Verstappen’s influence at Red Bull Racing cannot be denied. Ever since Max Verstappen’s entry in Formula 1, his father, Jos has heavy involvement with the team. Often, Jos Verstappen calls out some controversial decisions for the betterment of Red Bull Racing so that Max can race easier with the team.

It is safe to say that Jos Verstappen was not on good terms with Christian Horner. Last year, when accusations were being throws against Horner, Jos wanted him out of the team immediately. According to Ralf Schumacher’s claims, what happened at Red Bull Racing in the past few days is connected to the argument between Jos and Horner.

Christian Horner had ‘heated’ row with Max Verstappen’s father days before sack https://t.co/wfMC1MmLcR pic.twitter.com/ACT38AgRwV
— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) July 15, 2025

“There was another argument or a heated exchange, at least visually and verbally between Jos Verstappen, Christian Horner and the press officer. He can’t really deal with criticism. Sky Sports Germany are, or I am, now, on a so-called black list, so he no longer talks to us or with me and such. It’s actually a joke, because a man who has won so much should actually be able to discuss it in front of the camera.”

If we consider Schumacher’s opinion alongside Bernie Ecclestone’s words, the scenario is clear. Red Bull Racing dumped Christian Horner as a last ditch attempt to secure Max Verstappen. But, will their rag-tag decision be enough to keep Max Verstappen in the team.

If the rumours are to be taken seriously, then Red Bull Racing already lost Max Verstappen to Mercedes F1. Nevertheless, F1 community is waiting to see how the odds play out for the Austrian outfit.

Christian Horner

Formula 1

Formula 1 2025 Season

Jos Verstappen

Max Verstappen

Red Bull Racing

Rohan Singh

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I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.