Former Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg barged in on Martin Brundle’s interview with Jos Verstappen over Christian Horner’s exit and questioned his past comments, leading to an awkward exchange.
In the wake of Red Bull’s decision to part ways with Horner as team principal, all eyes have turned to the main characters who shaped the recent drama that has enveloped the powerhouse team.
At the center of the latest controversy is Jos Verstappen, father to reigning world champion Max Verstappen, and a figure whose infrequent but pointed remarks have made ripples throughout the paddock.
The events took a more personal and public turn during an interview with Sky Sports F1 commentators Nico Rosberg and Martin Brundle at the Belgian Grand Prix where Jos was compelled to address his past comments on Horner’s stewardship and stance on Red Bull’s future leadership.
Christian Horner’s tenure as Red Bull Racing team principal spanned nearly two decades. During this time he rose to prominence for shepherding drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to multiple championships which transformed Red Bull into a modern F1 superpower.
However, Horner’s leadership faced an unprecedented challenge beginning in early 2024 when allegations of inappropriate behavior brought about an internal investigation — one that he vehemently denied and from which he was ultimately cleared.
Despite this, the turbulence persisted well into the 2025 F1 season, culminating in his abrupt departure which came as a bombshell not just within the paddock but also throughout the world of motorsport.
Red Bull’s leadership crisis had been brewing for the better part of 18 months. During this intensely turbulent period the Verstappen family, in particular Jos Verstappen, grew increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with Horner’s approach and potential to destabilize the team’s future success.
Jos had warned that Red Bull could “explode” if Horner retained control, expressing fears that the team risked descent into factionalism and underperformance.
The combination of ongoing off-track investigations, reports of power struggles within Milton Keynes, and fluctuating on-track performance created an environment where Horner’s once-unshakeable authority began to erode.
When the news broke that Horner had been dismissed by Red Bull’s top brass, speculation immediately swirled regarding the extent of the Verstappens’ influence in the decision.
Multiple insiders, including the respected Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle heavily hinted that Jos Verstappen and “Team Verstappen” had played a key role in engineering or at least accelerating Christian Horner’s exit.
“What’s absolutely clear is that the Verstappen camp have been lobbing in hand grenades for quite some months now,” Brundle said. “Some of them have gone off, and it’s been pretty relentless in that respect.
“I think at times, Max’s dad, Jos, has made it absolutely clear that he thinks Christian shouldn’t be leading the company and leading the team.
“So I would say, yes, they played a key role in Christian Horner’s exit.”
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The build-up to the narrative reached its apex during the Belgian Grand Prix pre-race gridwalk at Spa-Francorchamps.
Martin Brundle broached the topic with Jos Verstappen, asking whether the Verstappens and wider team were content with the new direction following Laurent Mekies’s appointment to replace Horner.
Jos replied: “Well they decided to change so I’m fine with everything. Normal work. As long as it works, it’s fine.”
However, 2016 Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg joined the already tense exchange and cut straight to the core of the controversy, reminding Jos: “Last year, you said Horner needs to go”.
Jos typically forthright adopted a noticeably more reserved tone, replying: “That was one year and a half ago. It’s different. I have nothing to say. It’s fine.”
Not letting the moment pass unchallenged, Rosberg pressed further: “Now you’re quiet?”
The Dutchman who had previously been among Horner’s most public critics offered a response that attempted to downplay his role: “I’m always quiet.”
The awkward exchange signified a rare instance of Jos backing away from the outspoken persona that had become his trademark.
What became clear during these exchanges is that the perceptions of power and influence within Red Bull have shifted. Laurent Mekies was appointed as the new boss in a move intended to restore stability and unity to a camp that had become increasingly divided.
Yet, questions still linger as to whether this shift will satisfy Max Verstappen and his father sufficiently to commit to Red Bull until the end of Max’s current contract in 2028, or whether the high-profile volatility will trigger further changes.
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