Martin Brundle observes a more relaxed Max Verstappen following recent tensions at Red Bull.
The dismissal of Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal for over two decades, came after the British Grand Prix, marking the end of a tumultuous 18 months. Brundle noted that Verstappen maintains regular contact with Horner and described the resolution of off-track controversies as a “pivotal point” in Verstappen’s season.
A Calmer Max Verstappen
While Verstappen and Red Bull dominated the early part of F1’s ground effect era, their grip began to slip in 2024 amidst significant off-track unrest. Horner faced two investigations regarding alleged inappropriate behavior from a team member, which he denied, and also had public disputes with Verstappen’s father, Jos. At one point, Jos warned that Red Bull could “explode” if Horner remained.
The surprise announcement of Horner’s immediate removal came post-British Grand Prix, leading to Verstappen’s resurgence in the latter half of F1 2025. He recorded six Grand Prix wins and maintained a perfect podium finish after the summer break, almost mounting an impressive title comeback from a 104-point deficit to just two points by the end of the season in Abu Dhabi.
Laurent Mekies succeeded Horner, prompting Sky F1 presenter Simon Lazenby to commend both him and the Red Bull team for revitalizing their performance. Brundle emphasized the importance of Horner’s contributions to the team, stating that the calmer dynamic post-Horner is crucial to Verstappen’s successful season.
“Since the changes, Max seems significantly more relaxed,” Brundle observed, citing the prior tensions from Jos’s remarks and the relentless media inquiries. Alongside improved car aerodynamics, these factors contributed to a positive shift for Verstappen, marking it as a key moment in his year.
Verstappen’s Learning Moments
Brundle also pointed to another turning point: the controversial incident with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix, which led to a 10-second penalty for Verstappen. Reflecting on this, Verstappen acknowledged his mistake during that collision, expressing frustration at his reaction and stating, “That move was not good.” He emphasized the importance of giving his all on the track, noting that such lapses won’t recur in the future.
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