Max Verstappen surprises F1 World with plans to leave Red Bull after Horner sacking

In a stunning turn of events, four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has announced his intention to leave Red Bull Racing following the dismissal of team principal Christian Horner. The news has sent shockwaves through the F1 community, with Verstappen revealing explosive details about his tenure at Red Bull. “I can’t stay here for a minute,” Verstappen reportedly said, citing internal turmoil as a key reason for his decision.

The announcement comes amid a tumultuous period for Red Bull, with Horner’s exit linked to internal disputes and the departure of key figures such as Adrian Newey to Aston Martin. Posts on X suggest that Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, played a significant role in the drama, allegedly pressuring Red Bull to sack Horner or risk losing Max in 2026. However, these claims remain unverified and come from unconfirmed sources at X.

Verstappen’s potential move has sparked speculation about a switch to Mercedes, with rumors of negotiations with team boss Toto Wolff circulating since early July for 2025. Despite his contract with Red Bull running until 2028, Verstappen’s dissatisfaction and Red Bull’s recent performance struggles, marred by his P6 finish at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, have compounded Red Bull’s unsuccessful talks. Mercedes, eager to replace Lewis Hamilton, are reportedly offering a lucrative deal, although no official confirmation has emerged.

Red Bull’s disarray has raised questions about the team’s future competitiveness, especially with new F1 regulations looming in 2026. Verstappen’s departure would be a major blow, given his dominance in recent seasons. Fans and analysts expect further updates as the 2025 season progresses, with 12 races remaining.

For the latest F1 news and updates on Verstappen’s next move, stay tuned to trusted sources like the official Formula 1 website or Autosport. The F1 world is bracing for more twists and turns in this unfolding saga.