Christian Horner and Max Verstappen Owed Debt by F1 – A Payback Expected Next Year
This week’s F1 launch event had the entire motorsport community buzzing, with nearly everyone leaving the event in high spirits. However, not everyone in the paddock was so fortunate—Christian Horner and Max Verstappen found themselves the target of significant frustration.
The Red Bull duo’s frustration isn’t born of a lack of success on track, but rather from a more nuanced and often overlooked aspect of their roles in Formula 1. While the launch event saw the spotlight on all the drivers and team bosses, Horner and Verstappen couldn’t escape the shadow of the negativity surrounding them. Much of the venom seems to be a lingering byproduct of the Drive to Survive Netflix series, which turned both figures into polarizing personalities for many viewers, particularly in the UK. The portrayal of Horner as the villain has spurred a wave of booing from British fans, which continues to follow the Red Bull team leader at races.
Despite the heavy criticism, there is a deeper reality that Christian Horner and Max Verstappen will eventually receive what is owed to them by F1. The media spotlight and dramatization from Drive to Survive have created a platform for Red Bull’s success to be amplified in ways it likely wouldn’t have without the Netflix series. And while the pair may face hostility on occasion, their team’s dominance on the track is undeniable. The upcoming season may very well bring a shift in perception, as Verstappen, in particular, is poised to continue his reign as one of the most successful drivers in recent history.
However, it’s not just Horner and Verstappen who are receiving the ire of fans. The FIA’s ongoing struggles, particularly under the leadership of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, have yet to improve. Many feel that until there is a leadership change within the governing body, the situation will continue to deteriorate, making for a difficult backdrop for F1 as a whole.
But, for Horner and Verstappen, payback may come in the form of more on-track triumphs, which would certainly make their critics think twice in the near future.
