Christian Horner Scandal a “Christmas Present” for Max Verstappen’s Exit Plans, According to Prominent F1 Journalist

Max Verstappen is finally enjoying the time of his life as he continues to dominate season after season. But the supposed internal power struggle within the team that came to light after the allegations of ‘inappropriate behavior’ were made against Christian Horner may disrupt things in ways we still don’t fully understand. Although Horner was cleared of any wrongdoings after a 23-day probe, the aftermath only intensified the drama within the team and it peaked when Max Verstappen openly supported Helmut Marko, signaling his intentions to leave the team if Marko was dropped. What’s interesting to note is that he never did so for Horner.

But according to Michael Schmidt, a German journalist, there’s a feeling that Max Verstappen might want to leave Red Bull Racing after all. Schmidt suggests that the Verstappen camp doesn’t have much confidence in the engine being developed by Red Bull Powertrains for 2026. He believes that they trust other engine manufacturers like Mercedes, Honda (moving to Aston Martin), or Ferrari more than Red Bull Powertrains. However, Verstappen will have to face a challenge if he wants to leave Red Bull after 2025.

Schmidt explains that he would need a reason to do so, and the recent affair involving Christian Horner might provide that much-needed reason, candidly calling it a ‘Christman Present’. Various rumors have linked Verstappen to other teams, with Aston Martin and Mercedes being mentioned as the top options. However, according to a recent report from F1maximaal.nl, there is no confirmation if Verstappen has made a move elsewhere.

“No, I don’t think the transfer is complete yet, But I wouldn’t rule it out either,” said Schmidt as per the report. “I say that because from the beginning I had the feeling that the Verstappen clan, of course with Jos Verstappen at the top and also with (Raymond, ed.) Vermeulen wants to get rid of Red Bull one way or another, in any case in 2026, just because of the engine issue. People trust Mercedes, [and] Honda, who go to Aston Martin, or Ferrari more than RB Powertrains, which doesn’t have the experience. In a sense, this affair [regarding Christian Horner], which already took place in December, is almost a Christmas present,” [Translated by Google]

A recent development in the Red Bull camp is hinting that things might already be in shambles in Milton Keynes.

Max Verstappen loses his key ally amidst the Red Bull drama

Max Verstappen recently had to bid farewell to a long-standing member of his team, Lee Stevenson. Stevenson, a crucial figure at Red Bull Racing for the past 18 years, served as Verstappen’s number-one mechanic. Together, they celebrated an impressive 56 Grand Prix victories. Having been with the team since the very beginning, Stevenson played an integral role in their success, contributing to all 13 championship wins, which include both Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles. His departure marks the end of an era, as he embarks on a new chapter in his career, transitioning to “the other end of the pit lane.”

In an emotional Instagram post, Stevenson expressed gratitude for the unforgettable experiences and achievements during his tenure at Red Bull Racing with the caption that read, “It’s been an amazing ride, thank you so much. It’s been an incredible journey and one that I’m very proud of. What we’ve achieved has been monumental and something I would never have fathomed in 2006. This is the end of part A, part B of my life starts on Monday.”

Will Red Bull continue to lose its key personnel until there’s nothing left of what was the original team? What are your thoughts on the matter?

READ MORE: Max Verstappen Has Forced Ferrari to Their Worst F1 Period Again Despite Red Bull Earning $24 Million Lesser