The four-time world champion pulled zero punches with his response…Max Verstappen Delivers Blunt Verdict on Christian Horner as Red Bull Payout Revealed
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has delivered a remarkably direct assessment of life at Red Bull following Christian Horner’s departure, admitting that the atmosphere inside the team has become less stressful.
Verstappen’s comments arrive at a particularly significant moment for Red Bull, with Horner’s exit once again making headlines after company filings reportedly revealed the enormous financial compensation involved. According to reports, Horner received around £100 million following his departure from the team he had led for more than two decades. �
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Horner was removed from his position in 2025 after more than 20 years as Red Bull team principal. During his tenure, he played a central role in the team’s rise to the top of Formula 1 and worked closely with Verstappen throughout all four of the Dutchman’s championship-winning campaigns.
However, Verstappen has now made it clear that the working environment has changed since Laurent Mekies took over.
Verstappen admits Red Bull is calmer
Speaking about the current situation, Verstappen did not attempt to hide his feelings.
The Dutchman explained that he prefers seeing people working together without constant tension and believes the calmer atmosphere has made life easier.
“To be honest, I like to see people get on,” Verstappen said. �
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He added that having tension between people is difficult, particularly in an environment as demanding as Formula 1.
“It is not nice when you constantly have tension between people. It is less stressful.”
Verstappen continued by pointing out that everyone involved in Formula 1 already faces enormous pressure.
“We are all leading a stressful life and when you can take a bit of stress out at times, it is good.” �
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The comments represent one of the clearest indications yet of how the four-time champion views the changes at Red Bull.
Horner still respected by Verstappen
Despite acknowledging that life is less stressful without Horner, Verstappen did not attempt to erase the former team principal’s contribution to his career.
Horner was the team boss when Verstappen won all four of his world championships, making their partnership one of the most successful driver-team relationships of the modern era.
When asked about the possibility of Horner returning to Formula 1, Verstappen remained open-minded.
He acknowledged that Horner had achieved plenty during his career and suggested that opportunities could still emerge for his former boss.
Verstappen’s comments demonstrate that his relationship with Horner remains complicated but respectful. Earlier this year, he revealed that he still spoke with Horner regularly, describing their conversations as being similar to those between friends or people who had known each other for a long time. �
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Huge payout adds another layer
The reported £100 million compensation package has added another dramatic chapter to Horner’s Red Bull story.
Horner joined Red Bull when the team entered Formula 1 in 2005 and remained in charge for more than 20 years. Under his leadership, the team transformed from a newcomer into one of the sport’s dominant forces.
Red Bull won multiple constructors’ and drivers’ championships during his tenure, with Sebastian Vettel becoming a four-time champion before Verstappen matched that achievement.
Horner’s departure therefore represented one of the biggest leadership changes in Red Bull’s history.
The financial figure attached to his exit makes the situation even more remarkable and highlights just how significant his long-term position at the organisation had been. �
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Verstappen focused on the future
Despite the continued attention surrounding Horner, Verstappen appears determined to concentrate on Red Bull’s future rather than its past.
The Dutchman was also asked about speculation linking him with Ferrari. His response was characteristically straightforward.
Verstappen made it clear that his priority is winning rather than moving to a famous team simply because of its history or reputation.
He reportedly questioned the value of joining a team if the result would be regularly finishing fifth or sixth.
That attitude reflects the mentality that has helped Verstappen become one of the defining drivers of his generation.
For now, the champion says the challenge of rebuilding Red Bull remains enough motivation. He described the team as a “second family” and indicated that he remains invested in helping it return to the front. �
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A new era at Red Bull
Red Bull is now operating under Mekies, who replaced Horner after the dramatic leadership change.
The team has already shown signs of renewed competitiveness in 2026, with Verstappen taking a major victory in Malaysia and helping Red Bull secure its first win with its new Ford power-unit partnership. �
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That success could prove important as Red Bull attempts to establish itself under its new leadership structure.
For Verstappen, the message is clear: while Horner remains an important figure in his career, the four-time champion appears comfortable with the new direction.
His blunt assessment that Red Bull is now “less stressful” could fuel further debate about the atmosphere that existed during Horner’s final period in charge.
Yet Verstappen has also made clear that there is no bitterness driving his comments.
Instead, the champion appears focused on one thing above everything else — winning.
