Horner Dismissed as Verstappen Prepares Nurburgring Drive

Max Verstappen will compete this weekend in the Nürburgring Langstrecken‑Serie driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Emil Frey Racing to gain experience and prepare for a possible 24 Hours of Nürburgring entry after earning the required license. On the F1 front, Verstappen and Red Bull have regained momentum with back‑to‑back wins in Italy and Azerbaijan, helping him chip into the championship fight though he still trails McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Verstappen credited recent upgrades — including a new floor — and a steadier development approach for finding the RB21’s operating window more often. His manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has warned that Red Bull must deliver with the 2026 car and personnel decisions if Verstappen is to remain long term; Verstappen is contracted for one more year and is likely to reassess options for 2027. Reports of internal changes at Red Bull following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix include the dismissal of Christian Horner. Team boss Laurent Mekies has stressed a race‑by‑race strategy focused on car development rather than immediate championship ambitions.