Montoya: Horner sacked because Verstappen is leaving Red Bull?

Wednesday, 09 July 2025 at 14:34

Juan Pablo Montoya has weighed in on the dramatic developments at Red Bull Racing, reacting to the shock reports that Christian Horner was sacked as Team Principal after nearly two decades at the helm of the operation.

Speaking exclusively to the BetVictor Casino media team, in the wake of the bombshell news today, Montoya admitted: “I think Christian Horner’s sacking has surprised everybody. There has been talk for the last year and a half about them possibly wanting Horner out, because of all the drama happening internally at Red Bull.”

The former F1 race winner believes the move signals a deeper restructuring at the World Championship-winning team, suggesting the real motivation behind Horner’s removal may be tied to their star driver.

Montoya said: “I think there are going to be a lot of changes in Red Bull, they need a lot of changes. The million-dollar question is, have Red Bull got rid of Horner because Max Verstappen is leaving, or did they get rid of Horner to prevent Max from leaving? That’s what everyone will be wondering about for the next few weeks or months until we know what happens with Max.”

Red Bull is facing its most uncertain period since joining Formula 1 in 2005. Adrian Newey has already confirmed his exit, and Montoya sees this as just the beginning.

Red Bull in restructuring mode

VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks to Red Bull Racing Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey during day three of winter testing at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on February 3, 2011 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Christian Horner;Adrian Newey

“With how hard the Red Bull car is to drive, they need to rebuild their team,” he explained. “You know what I mean, Adrian Newey has left, and they need a new structure to be put in place. In the long term, Red Bull will be okay, but in the short term, they’re going to struggle to put everything in place and hire the right people.”

Despite his view that the shake-up is necessary, Montoya expressed sympathy for Horner, who has led Red Bull to six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles under his leadership.

“It’s going to be exciting from the outside to see what happens at Red Bull,” Montoya said. “I do feel sorry for Christian because of everything he’s done for the team. Everything happens for a reason and we’ll see what happens.”

At the heart of the speculation remains the future of Max Verstappen. Montoya concluded: “Overall, I think the sacking has a lot to do with Max leaving Red Bull. Whether it’s about Max staying or leaving, that will be the big question mark everyone is wondering about.”