Nigel Mansell Comments on Christian Horner’s Departure and Max Verstappen’s Future

The summer break for F1 is often called ‘silly season’, dominated by rumours of driver lineup changes. This year, however, the silly season started with one of the biggest shocks the sport has seen.

On July 9, Red Bull announced the departure of Christian Horner, sending shockwaves through the sporting world. Horner had led the team as Principal since the Austrian energy drink firm took over the then Jaguar team in 2005. He was influential in them becoming one of the foremost constructors in the sport, winning six World Constructors’ Championships and eight World Drivers’ Championships.

The announcement has, unsurprisingly, resulted in a lot of conjecture about Red Bull’s future, and further added fuel to the rumours linking Max Verstappen to a move to Mercedes next year.

We sat down with 1992 F1 World Champion and motorsport icon Nigel Mansell, who spoke about Horner’s departure and also gave his take on what a Verstappen move to Mercedes could mean for the Silver Arrows’ incumbent No. 1 driver, George Russell.

Horner’s departure came as a shock, but he should be remembered for his stellar work at Red Bull

Like all fans of the sport, Mansell himself was shocked by the news. He mentioned meeting Horner at Silverstone, and to him, the announcement was somewhat unexpected.

"I think just like the racing fans, I didn't know what Red Bull were doing so yeah it came as quite a shock and surprise. I was with Red Bull and I spoke to Christian last weekend and there was no inference, no problems or anything. A bit of shock and a bit of horror really."

Of course, there’s a lot of discussion around why this happened and allusions to internal politics at Red Bull. Mansell made sure to point out the need to focus on Horner’s achievements and how he led Red Bull to such great success over the years.

"No one really has the facts and it would not be professional of me to try and make an opinion but all I can say is the magnificent job Christian Horner has done for 20 years is a testament to his skill and his dedication to the sport. That shouldn't be forgotten.”

To do this midseason, Red Bull could be in trouble

Mansell did question the timing of this, stating that the team will find it hard to hit the objectives they had in mind for the season. Max Verstappen’s bid for a fifth consecutive World Drivers’ Title looks to be in disarray as McLaren’s duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are coasting at the top.

"To do this midseason, whatever the reasons are, it's not helpful for the team. The team will miss him, there will be a transitional period. It will be a struggle for Red Bull to be as competitive as they would've wanted to be for 2025 now."

"Watch this space, whatever happens is going to be interesting, isn't it?"

"It's very difficult to pass a comment on the inner workings of any team when you don't know the facts. All I'd say is motor racing is difficult enough without having these challenges come along at the time they have. Any team would have a huge challenge."

Mansell wishes Horner the best and also hopes that Verstappen finds the right destination, whether that means staying at Red Bull or moving somewhere else.

"Christian's got to be remembered for the incredible work he's done over the years and the success he's had with the team. I certainly wish him well for the future, as well as Red Bull and Max."

"Max is an outstanding World Champion and driver and I hope he gets to wherever he wants to get to, which will make him happy."

Mansell’s advice for George Russell

The instability at Red Bull has strengthened the rumours of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes next year, which does bring into question the standing of George Russell, in case the four-time World Champion joins the Silver Arrows.

This is Russell’s first season as Mercedes’ lead driver, and he has performed strongly, winning one race and getting five podiums. While he may not be the favourite for the title, odds of 100/1 should suggest that it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a punt on him by using the bet365 bonus code.

Mansell has some advice for Russell in the event that Verstappen joins, and it’s about preserving his spot and raising his performance levels.

“It´s a good rumour (referring to Verstappen joining Mercedes next season).”

“"Well what I can say to George and Lando and all these drivers. I drove with four world champions. I joined the team when the other men in the car were World Champions - Mario Andretti, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost and Keke Rosberg.”

“When you join a team with a World Champion already there, they are not your best friend, and if you start to go quicker than them, don´t expect them to be your best friend.”

“You’re the No. 2 driver and they hate being beaten, that’s why they are World Champions.”

“So I had the toughest career in some ways, because I was always the underdog, but as I demonstrated, if you work hard enough you can beat them and make yourself a name.”

“But it´s definitely not easy.”

"George acquitted himself last year and I think he's done a fabulous job."

Read more about some of this summer's big transfer stories over in the football courtesy of an exclusive with Gianluca Di Marzio