Oct 23, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; (from left) Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko and Red Bull Racing Limited driver Max Verstappen of Team Netherlands and Team Principal Christian Horner celebrate winning the U.S. Grand Prix F1 race at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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Max Verstappen Gives Christian Horner a Heartfelt Goodbye!

Max Verstappen's note to Christian Horner after his Red Bull Racing exit

Formula 1 is a sport of uncertainties. However, no-one would’ve imagined the situation which is playing out in the Formula 1 paddock currently. Red Bull Racing relieved Christian Horner of his duties as the CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing some days ago. There was no warning or any tell-tale signs about the same. Arguably, there were some rumors about Horner switching to Ferrari. But the former head of Red Bull Racing had made his loyalties clear.

There are a lot of speculations and stories flowing around the paddock. The news was not released by Red Bull Racing for a long time. Ironically, most of the people knew about his exit from the team before they even posted an official statement. The team has already found a successor for Christian Horner ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of this month.

There were no talks about Christian Horner or his role in his exit from the team. While Red Bull Racing is silent about his removal, one of his former champions spoke up to thank him. Max Verstappen took to the social media to applaud Christian Horner for his work at Red Bull Racing.

Max Verstappen Thanks Christian Horner Bidding Him Goodbye from The Team

It is arguably clear that Christian Horner’s exit from Red Bull Racing is unceremonious to say none the least. He has been with the team since the start of their Formula 1 stint. Christian Horner has been leading Red Bull and helping them with their day to day Formula 1 operations since 2005. Under his leadership, the team has claimed eight driver championships and six constructor championships.

The contract Horner held with Red Bull Racing was due to expire in 2030. It was not that the team was doing worst in the championship. They were still fighting amongst the frontrunners- albeit worse than the previous seasons. At first glance, there was no clear reason to kick out Christian Horner from the team.

From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian! pic.twitter.com/au4XjMqhlH
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 9, 2025

While the entire team was busy downplaying the situation and avoiding any statements, Max Verstappen chose to bid a proper farewell to Christian Horner. Verstappen was still racing go karts when Christian Horner and Red Bull Racing came to Formula 1 in 2005. Max has won all his achievements and races under Horner’s mentorship in his career as of the British Grand Prix.

It’s clear that Max Verstappen is not going to let his former team principal fade away soon. The Dutchman made a gratitude filled post for Horner on his social media thanking him for his efforts and helping him shape his career. There’s no further information regarding Christian Horner’s next move in Formula 1.

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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.