Horner believes Mintzlaff, Marko responsible for his Red Bull exit, not Verstappen

Christian Horner believes his Red Bull exit last year was down to Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko, despite tensions with Max Verstappen’s father Jos.

Red Bull removed Horner from his position as team principal and CEO of the Formula 1 team last July, following 20 years leading the operation. The change came with Red Bull struggling for regular performance on-track, and after a tumultuous spell off it that included calls from Jos Verstappen for Horner to leave earlier the previous year.

Speaking during the latest series of Netflix’s docuseries "Drive to Survive" – all eight episodes of which will be released on Friday, Feb. 27 – Horner does not equate that tension as being the driving force behind his departure.

“I feel a real sense of loss and hurt,” Horner said. “It was all rather sudden. I didn’t really get the chance to say a proper goodbye. I never imagined to be in this position. Of course, your immediate reaction when you’re delivered a s*** sandwich like that is to say ‘F*** them.’ I had something taken away from me which wasn’t my choice which was very precious to me.”

Directly pushed on whether he felt the Verstappen’s were involved at all, Horner added: “[Max’s] father has never been my biggest fan. He's been outspoken about me. But I don't believe the Verstappens were responsible in any way. I think this was a decision that was made by Oliver Mintzlaff [CEO of Corporate Projects and New Investments of Red Bull GmbH] with Helmut [Marko, team advisor] advising from the sideline.

“I think ultimately things changed within the business, within the group. The founder died, and after Dietrich [Mateschitz]'s death, I think probably I was deemed to have maybe too much control.”

Horner’s interviews were conducted last year and he also reveals a message sent to him by long-time rival Toto Wolff following news of his sacking.

“I didn't know what to say, because on one side you've been a real a**hole,” the message read. “But on the other hand, the sport will miss one of its main protagonists. Who should I fight? And 'love to hate' as you always said? Wolff and Horner have a combined 14 of the last 15 world championships. Not a bad joint statistic.”

Confirming his response, Horner wrote back: “I've loved locking horns with you all these years. So thank you for the rivalry, the competition and the needle.

“No one else even came close, as the statistics point out. I wish you all the very best for the future. PS, you need a haircut.”