Max Verstappen insider explains reason behind Red Bull exit talks as Horner theory raised

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Nelson Piquet Jnr, who is the brother of Max Verstappen’s partner, Kelly, has offered an insight into what he has ‘heard’ about the Dutchman’s exit talks at Red Bull. According to the former Renault F1 star, Christian Horner’s influence had a negative impact on the team’s hiring power. The long-serving team principal was sacked last week, with Red Bull trying desperately to convince star driver Verstappen to stay.

The 27-year-old has won each of the last four Drivers’ Championship titles, but with the RB21 heading the wrong way in terms of performance, that run looks set to end in 2025. With question marks about Red Bull’s ability to hit the ground running in 2026, Verstappen has been in talks with Mercedes regarding a move to Brackley. It remains unclear which way the Dutchman is currently leaning, but Toto Wolff is keeping the door open as the summer break draws nearer.

Offering his knowledge on the subject, Piquet Jnr, who made 28 starts for Renault between 2008 and 2009, told the Pelas Pistas podcast: “What’s the reason they are struggling to keep Max?

“I heard it’s [that] they have difficulty bringing some key people back or hiring. Because some didn’t like the team environment. Those little problems came up between him and Max’s father. In a way, it bothered some people, and for them to bring the people they want back, some felt that, with Christian there, it would be more difficult.

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“That’s what people have been saying. It was about sharing tasks a little bit more, and Horner didn’t want to do that. He wanted to maintain control over everything, both teams, over the engines; he wanted to be in control of everything. But for him, it was a win-win situation.

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