Drive to Survive Season 8: Christian Horner says Max Verstappen’s camp was not liable for his Crimson Bull sacking

Christian Horner would not imagine Max or Jos Verstappen have been “responsible in any way” for his Crimson Bull exit, however says that his former colleague Helmut Marko performed a key position within the shock sacking.

Horner was dismissed as Crimson Bull crew principal and chief govt in July final 12 months regardless of having been vastly profitable in working the crew since its entry to Method 1 in 2005.

Breaking his silence on the circumstances behind his exit within the newest collection of Netflix’s Method 1: Drive to Survive, which is launched on Friday, Horner mentioned: “I really feel an actual sense of loss and harm. It was all somewhat sudden. I did not actually get the prospect to say a correct goodbye.

“I never imagined to be in this position. Of course, your immediate reaction when you’re delivered a s*** sandwich like that is to say ‘**** them’. I’ve had something taken away from me that wasn’t my choice that was very precious to me.”

Many believed that the camp of Verstappen, who gained 4 successive drivers’ titles underneath Horner’s management from 2021-2024, had performed a job within the Brit’s exit.

However the 52-year-old insists he was finally ousted after an influence battle at Crimson Bull following the dying of crew proprietor and founder Dietrich Mateschitz in October 2022.

“His father has by no means been my greatest fan. He is been outspoken about me. However I do not imagine the Verstappens have been accountable in any method. I believe this was a call that was made by Oliver Mintzlaff with Helmut advising from the side-line.

“I think ultimately things changed within the business, within the group. The founder died, and after Dietrich [Mateschitz]’s death, I think probably I was deemed to have maybe too much control.”

Marko was Mateschitz’s trusted motorsport advisor and labored intently with Horner for a few years, but in addition discovered himself ousted by Crimson Bull simply months after the Brit on the finish of the 2025 season.

Horner reveals touching Wolff farewell

Horner’s predominant rival within the pit lane throughout his tenure was Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, with the pair usually exchanging in wars of phrases by the media because the drivers fought for victories.

This was by no means extra tense than when Verstappen beat Hamilton to the 2021 drivers’ title in maybe essentially the most intense championship duel within the sport’s historical past.

Regardless of their feuding, Horner revealed to the Drive to Survive cameras a touching message that Wolff had despatched him following his dismissal.

It learn: “I didn’t know what to say, because on one side you’ve been a real a**hole. But on the other hand, the sport will miss one of its main protagonists.

“Who ought to I struggle? And ‘like to hate’, as you at all times mentioned? Wolff and Horner have a mixed 14 of the final 15 world championships. Not a nasty joint statistic.”

Horner additionally learn out his reply, which mentioned: “I’ve loved locking horns with you all these years. So thank you for the rivalry, the competition and the needle. No one else even came close, as the statistics point out. I wish you the very best for the future. PS, you need a haircut.”

All eight episodes of Method 1: Drive to Survive can be found on Netflix from Friday, February 27. Sky prospects can entry Netflix by way of Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream.

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