Formula 1, Sportrik Media - George Russell has risked reigniting tensions with Max Verstappen after outlining a theory regarding the influence he and his father, Jos Verstappen, may have had in the dismissal of Christian Horner as Red Bull team principal last year.
Horner was removed from his role after 20 years at the helm of Red Bull Racing, a tenure that delivered two dominant championship eras: with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013, and Verstappen from 2021 to 2024. However, the team’s performance declined in the second half of 2024. While Verstappen secured a fourth consecutive drivers’ title, Red Bull surrendered the constructors’ championship to McLaren.
The internal situation was further complicated after Horner faced allegations of inappropriate conduct in 2024. Although he survived two internal investigations, public pressure intensified. Jos Verstappen was outspoken during that period, suggesting the team risked implosion if Horner remained in charge. Ultimately, Horner was dismissed following the British Grand Prix amid a broader dip in performance.
At the same time, Russell was navigating uncertainty over his own future at Mercedes, as Verstappen was heavily linked with a potential move to Brackley. That speculation was later halted by a performance clause in Verstappen’s Red Bull contract.
Speaking in comments featured in an upcoming episode of Drive to Survive, Russell shared his perspective on the dynamics within Red Bull and how they may have intersected with the wider driver market.
“The Verstappens clearly have a lot of power in that team,” Russell said.
“They like to manipulate situations quite a lot. For whatever reason, they don’t like Horner, and they are trying to get Horner out.”
He further suggested that rumours of Verstappen joining Mercedes could have been used strategically.
“I wonder if all of this is a bit of a play and a stir, trying to put pressure on Red Bull, that he’ll only continue there if Christian is gone.”
In hindsight, Russell’s theory did not fully materialise as events unfolded differently. Nevertheless, given the strained on-track relationship between Russell and Verstappen in recent seasons, the remarks may add another layer of tension heading into the 2026 campaign.
With a new regulatory era underway, both drivers are expected to be central protagonists in the title fight — ensuring that any off-track narratives will remain closely scrutinised.
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Baca Juga
Max Verstappen buka peluang hengkang dari F1 usai kritik regulasi 2026, namun mayoritas fans yakin ia tetap bertahan.
George Russell ungkap teori soal peran Max dan Jos Verstappen dalam pemecatan Christian Horner di Red Bull.
Kimi Antonelli sebut prosedur start jadi titik lemah Mercedes usai tes F1 2026 di Bahrain.
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