The Formula 1 paddock was rocked Wednesday by the news that Christian Horner, the longtime CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing, has been fired after a 20-year run that featured many race wins and championships with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

All speculation about Max Verstappen's move to Mercedes may well be nonsense, according to Juan Pablo Montoya. The former F1 driver seriously considers that George Russell has already signed a new contract with the German team.

Red Bull has lost several key figures across the past 18 months, most notably design legend Adrian Newey, Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, and Chief Designer Rob Marshall. The sacking of Horner means that a fourth pillar of long-term success is gone.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explained why switching teams in 2026 could be a bad idea for Max Verstappen.

With Christian Horner's departure, a wish from the Max Verstappen camp has been granted, but is it wise to stay? Horner's dismissal actually suggests that Verstappen should leave. In recent weeks, GPblog learned that Christian Horner's departure was a significant point for Verstappen's camp.

Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull looks more uncertain as internal chaos grows. Discover five key reasons why a 2026 switch to Mercedes could reshape Formula One's driver market and championship battle.