Verstappen Explains Why He Did Not Meet Christian Horner at British Grand Prix

Posted : 06 July 2026

Max Verstappen has dismissed suggestions of a strained relationship with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner after revealing why the pair did not meet during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone.

Horner made his first appearance in the Formula 1 paddock since leaving Red Bull a year ago. His return sparked speculation about whether he would reunite with Verstappen, who won four consecutive world championships under his leadership. However, the two never met during the race weekend.

Speaking after the race, Verstappen explained that the absence of a meeting was simply down to the demands of the weekend rather than any personal differences.

"I speak to Christian almost every week," Verstappen said. "I saw him on the camera walking around, but I haven't had time to meet anyone, to be honest. It's just been busy."

When asked what they usually discuss during their regular conversations, the Dutch driver insisted there was nothing unusual about their relationship.

"Yeah. Like you do with your friends, or people that you've known for a long time," Verstappen added.

The comments come during a challenging period for Red Bull. Verstappen's British Grand Prix ended in disappointment after a recurring rear wing problem caused him to crash out while fighting for a podium finish. The incident was similar to a failure he experienced at the previous round in Austria, prompting the reigning world champion to describe the issue as "super-dangerous."

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, who succeeded Horner following his departure in July 2025, immediately met with Verstappen after the race to review the incident.

Verstappen said Mekies came to discuss the problems the team experienced during the race and explain what had happened with the car. He stressed that such debriefs are standard procedure regardless of the result.

"We always do that, good or bad," Verstappen said.

Mekies has since pledged that Red Bull will investigate the rear wing failure thoroughly to prevent another repeat after two similar incidents in consecutive race weekends.

Although Horner and Verstappen did not meet at Silverstone, the Dutchman's comments make it clear that their relationship remains intact. Their regular contact continues despite Horner no longer being part of Red Bull, with Verstappen describing their conversations as those between longtime friends rather than former colleagues.

Verstappen Explains Why He Did Not Meet Christian Horner at British Grand Prix

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