Chequered Flag Extra: What next for Max Verstappen?

In this episode, host Harry Benjamin speaks with BBC's F1 correspondent Andrew Benson and former F1 driver Jaime Alguersuari about the recent unexpected sack of Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing. Alguersuari reflects on Horner's long tenure, calling it the end of an era and emphasizes that no team wins forever, mentioning the effectiveness of Red Bull's achievements compared to legacy teams like Ferrari and McLaren.

Benson discusses the internal strife at Red Bull, including power struggles and significant staff departures, including Adrian Newey. He notes that Horner's removal followed a loss of support from key shareholders, indicating broader issues within the team. Alguersuari speculates on the effect of these changes on Verstappen, suggesting that if Red Bull continues to decline and fail to present a winning car, the world champion may consider leaving the team.

The conversation explores the influence of Verstappen’s camp in relation to Horner's exit and discussions around Jos Verstappen's role. The episode further examines the incoming team principal Laurent Meckis, highlighting his leadership capabilities and potential to improve team morale and performance.

Participants also touch upon George Russell's incredible performance, the competitive landscape among teams, and who might fill the gaps left by current driver movements. Alguersuari predicts that if circumstances seem unfavorable, Verstappen might opt for another route to ensure he remains competitive.