Christian Horner Misses Red Bull Milestone as Max Verstappen Shines

Christian Horner, a key figure behind Red Bull Powertrains' creation and its partnership with Ford, was notably absent when the team achieved a significant milestone. Max Verstappen secured the first grand prix win for the RBPT-Ford engine at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, a moment Horner described as bittersweet.

Horner, who was let go by Red Bull following the 2025 British Grand Prix after two decades of leadership, admitted to feeling "particularly hurt and robbed" of the chance to witness this triumph firsthand. Despite his departure, Horner's pride in the engine's success remained intact, as he engaged in celebrations from afar and exchanged words with Verstappen.

The RBPT-Ford engine, making its debut in 2026 alongside new F1 regulations, has already found success, with multiple wins to its name. Verstappen's victory in Bahrain was especially meaningful for Horner, who had been instrumental in transitioning Red Bull into a power unit manufacturer after Honda's initial withdrawal from the sport.

In an interview with The Guardian, Horner reflected on the significance of the achievement, stating, "I felt very proud seeing what it meant to everybody and that they sent the Powertrains representative on to the podium." This accomplishment underscored his belief in assembling the right team with the appropriate culture and tools.

Despite no longer working together, Horner and Verstappen maintain regular communication. Verstappen confirmed their ongoing relationship, noting, "I speak to Christian almost every week." The Dutch driver continued his winning streak, following up his Bahrain victory with another at the Singapore Grand Prix.

While Horner's absence from the Red Bull garage was palpable, his influence on the team's success is undeniable, and he remains a supportive figure in Verstappen's career.