Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle has made an extraordinary claim, asserting that Jos Verstappen, the influential father of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, has effectively been the de facto team principal of Red Bull Racing since early 2024. This bold declaration follows Jos Verstappen’s public demand for Christian Horner’s resignation, sending shockwaves through the Formula 1 community and igniting fresh debate about power dynamics within top-tier motorsport.
Christian Horner’s recent departure from his long-held role as Red Bull Racing team principal, after more than two decades at the helm, marked a significant turning point for the dominant constructor. His release paved the way for Laurent Mekies to step in as his successor, assuming both chief executive and team boss responsibilities, signaling a new era for the Milton Keynes-based squad.
Horner’s dismissal brought to a contentious close a tumultuous final 18 months in charge, a period largely defined by his escalating war of words and internal strife with Jos Verstappen. The elder Verstappen’s persistent critique and open challenge to Horner’s authority created an undeniable tension that permeated the Red Bull Racing environment.
The critical moment arrived in the aftermath of Max Verstappen’s triumphant victory at the 2024 Formula 1 season opener in Bahrain. It was then that Jos Verstappen publicly issued a stark warning, stating unequivocally that the team would “explode” if Christian Horner remained in his position, a statement that amplified the existing friction to an unprecedented level.
In the wake of Horner’s departure, Red Bull Racing has also witnessed the loss of key foundational pillars of its immense success. Figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, who had contributed almost two decades of expertise to the team, opted to pursue new opportunities with Aston Martin and Sauber respectively, indicating a broader restructuring and potential impact on the team’s future trajectory.
Martin Brundle, known for his close professional relationship with Christian Horner, provided his unique insight into the 51-year-old’s dismissal. Brundle explicitly stated his belief that the entourage surrounding Max Verstappen played a “key role” in the decision-making process that ultimately led to Horner’s exit, suggesting a powerful influence from within the driver’s camp.
In a fresh statement, Brundle further elaborated on his perspective, claiming that he has regarded Jos Verstappen as the true power broker, the one “calling the shots” at Red Bull Racing, ever since his public undermining of Horner’s position following the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2024. This perception paints a vivid picture of a hidden leadership structure at play within the Formula 1 giants.
Brundle also indicated a shift in the team’s on-track representation, asserting that Helmut Marko, a long-serving and respected figure within Red Bull, is now the team’s “primary” representative during race weekends in Horner’s absence. This change underscores the evolving landscape of leadership and decision-making within the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
Amidst these significant personnel changes, Max Verstappen is now widely expected to honor his commitment and remain with Red Bull Racing for the F1 2026 season, thereby concluding persistent speculation about a potential high-profile move to Mercedes. His decision to stay is anticipated to clear the path for George Russell to secure a new, long-term contract with Mercedes, solidifying key driver lineups for the upcoming seasons.
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