Max Verstappen’s ‘private messages’ with former boss Christian Horner have been revealed after Red Bull's first race without the Englishman in 20 years.
Earlier this month, the F1 side made the shocking decision to remove the 20-year veteran from his post of team principal, a role he had held since the inception of Red Bull in 2005.
The specific reason for his sacking has been claimed to be the performance of the team, according to Helmut Marko. However, it has also been rumoured that a strained relationship with the Verstappen family was a leading factor in the firing.
Verstappen and his camp have denied any involvement in the removal of Horner. Now, though, contact between the 27-year-old and his old boss has now been revealed.
Christian Horner was mercilessly fired earlier this month
| PA“From I understand, this is what’s quite interesting about it is, it does sound like Christian has had quite a lot of messages from Max since he got fired, supportive messages," ESPN reporter Nate Saunders revealed on a podcast.
“I think that a lot of people hear that Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner didn’t get on and somehow equate that maybe means that Max didn’t get on.
"I think Max and him actually had a very good relationship. He referred to Christian Horner as second family."
After the announcement of Horner's sacking, Verstappen was the talk of the paddock at the Belgian Grand Prix, but the driver doubled down on the fact that he was not involved in the decision.
"At the end of the day, they run the team. And I'm the driver, so whatever they decide is fully within their right to do what they want," he told the media in Spa.
READ MORE: Martin Brundle explains 'game over' moment for Christian Horner after brutal Red Bull sacking
Max Verstappen and his father are believed to have known about the sacking before it happened | GettyHorner’s exit came at a crucial time for Red Bull, as rumours were strongly linking the four-time champion with a move away from the Milton-Keynes team, and likely to arch rivals Mercedes.
With Mercedes boss Toto Wolff even confirming he was in talks with Verstappen for a seat in 2026, as there was a clause applicable in the 27-year-old's contract that claimed he could move teams should he be outside the top three in the championship at the halfway stage of the season.
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With his result in Spa, he confirms his place in third heading into the summer break, though his long-term future remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Laurent Mekies has taken over at the helm of Red Bull, and has had a successful first race in charge of the team. While the main race may have been more of a struggle for the team, the wise strategy to use a low downforce rear wing in the sprint allowed Verstappen to hold off the championship leader Oscar Piastri and claim another sprint win.
Max Verstappen was able to hold off Oscar Piastri during the sprint
|Reuters
The team will have a lot to work on to turn their season around as Verstappen sits a distant third in the championship and with a car that appears unable to challenge the McLarens.