Max Verstappen 'sends stern ultimatum to Red Bull' as Christian Horner faces exit

Christian Horner is reportedly at risk of losing his job as Red Bull team principal after Max Verstappen and his entourage laid out their long-term strategic plans for the team. The Dutchman has been with Red Bull since his second season on the F1 grid, but the four-time world champion's future hangs in the balance amidst interest from Mercedes.

According to German outlet Auto Motor und Sport, his interest in remaining with the Milton Keynes squad hinges on Horner stepping aside, or having his 'powers curtailed'. The tension between the Verstappen camp and Horner is nothing new. Jos Verstappen, father of the reigning world champion, was involved in a public feud with the 51-year-old during the early stages of the 2024 campaign and even publicly called for the Brit to step down from his position.

That said, comments from Verstappen Snr ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix suggested that the relationship was on the mend. "I don't think we should go on holiday together," he joked with De Limburger. "But at the end of the day, I don't work here, and he is Max's team boss.

"There has to be mutual respect, and there is. Together with Raymond [Vermeulen, Verstappen's manager], I do get involved in Max's management, and it is important that there is a good relationship between all parties. All sorts of things have indeed happened, but that doesn't matter now. I am straightforward and say what I think. They just have to take that into account, I am not going to change, not for anyone."

However, Horner is now facing reported pressure from the Thai majority owners, the Yoovidhya family. The Red Bull chief was pictured with them on the grid ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, but according to the AMuS report, they are no longer 'completely opposed to restructuring'.

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Horner's fate is not being helped by the current on-track performance. The Austrian GP was the team's worst weekend of the season so far, and his team have slumped to fourth in the Constructors' Championship standings, 47 points behind third-placed Mercedes. Verstappen's title hopes, meanwhile, lay in ruins.

Horner, himself, has been linked with a departure from the Red Bull team. The Brit was touted as a successor for Fred Vasseur at Ferrari and even for Oliver Oakes at Alpine, but laid out his stall in an interview with Sky Sports F1. "There are so many rumours, I'm not going anywhere," he said.

"I'm fully committed to Red Bull. We've got so much good stuff coming through the pipeline. We're on the verge of launching our own engine for 2026, which has been a massive project and undertaking. Of course, it's always flattering to be associated with other teams, particularly teams like Ferrari."