Brundle’s Fresh ‘Team Verstappen’ Take on Horner Sack

Martin Brundle has suggested that Max Verstappen’s inner circle is firmly behind Red Bull’s decision to part ways with Christian Horner, viewing it as a necessary step amid the team’s recent struggles.

The Sky F1 commentator, speaking on a recent podcast, pointed out that Verstappen’s camp appears aligned with the move, especially given the mounting pressures at Milton Keynes. “From what I hear, Team Verstappen is all in on this change,” Brundle said, hinting at frustrations over the squad’s dip in form since early 2025.

Horner’s exit came abruptly after the British Grand Prix in July, following a string of poor results that saw Red Bull slip behind McLaren and Mercedes in the constructors’ standings. The team, still led by Verstappen and Sergio Perez, has faced internal turbulence, including key departures like Adrian Newey earlier in the year.

Brundle noted that while Verstappen publicly downplayed the shake-up, focusing instead on car performance, his advisors seem relieved. “Max just wants speed, but those around him know the leadership shift could steady the ship,” he added.

With the 2025 season halfway done, Red Bull sits third in the championship, trailing McLaren by 85 points. Verstappen holds a slim lead in the drivers’ title over Lando Norris, but the Dutchman’s future remains a hot topic, with exit clauses in his contract sparking speculation about a potential Mercedes switch.

New team principal Laurent Mekies now faces the task of rallying the outfit ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, where upgrades are expected to boost the RB21’s pace. Brundle warned that without quick gains, more unrest could follow, but for now, the Horner decision has apparent backing from Verstappen’s key allies.