F1 Drive to Survive insider reveals Max Verstappen choice in Red Bull sacking Christian Horner

In February 2024, Horner was accused of "inappropriate, controlling behaviour" by a female member of staff within the Red Bull organisation. He denied the allegations and an internal investigation has since dismissed the grievance.

In a speech to Red Bull Racing employees ahead of the news breaking, Horner said: "Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally, I will no longer be involved with the business for the team.”

Later on Instagram, he posted: “After an incredible journey of 20 years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the team I have absolutely loved."

Form has dipped on track following the departure of technical supremo Adrian Newey, and a very public spat between Horner and Jos Verstappen, father of four-time world champion Max, has played out for all to see.

A perfect storm of the above factors may have played into Horner's dismissal, but speaking exclusively to Radio Times, a production insider who has worked on the smash-hit Netflix series Formula 1: Drive to Survive suggests the key factor in the sacking came down to a choice for Red Bull – Christian Horner or Max Verstappen.

The production insider told Radio Times: "Red Bull ultimately had to choose him or Verstappen, so chose Max."

On the implications of Horner’s sacking, which will mean the absence of one of the series’ most distinctive characters, the same source reflected:

"I imagine that will be the majority of the Red Bull-themed episode sorted now."

The Dutch superstar's future has been the source of enormous speculation despite being contracted to Red Bull until 2028.

Reports suggest he has a break clause in his contract that would allow him to walk away from Red Bull should he fail to make the top four in the Drivers' Standings in any given season.

Mercedes have been constantly linked with a blockbuster move for Verstappen, fuelled by the fact they are yet to renew the contracts of their two drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, for next season.

Team principal Toto Wolff appeared to confirm interest in Verstappen at the Austrian Grand Prix.

However, the insider's quote suggests Verstappen is now more likely to remain with Red Bull following Horner's departure.

The cryptic message could be interpreted in a way that meant Red Bull felt Horner was not capable of giving Max the car and strategy required to nail a top-four finish required to keep him, or that a rift between the pair prevented Verstappen from committing to Red Bull.

Fans have more than two weeks until the next grand prix at Spa in Belgium – will we be any closer to finding out why Horner left and what comes next for Verstappen by lights out?

A member of the Box To Box Films team told Radio Times that the quotes "didn’t come from the current DTS production team."

Radio Times received no comment from Red Bull Racing.

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