Christian Horner intends to take a break from F1 in order to spend more time with wife Geri Halliwell following his departure from Red Bull on Wednesday.
The 51-year-old was sensationally cut loose by the Formula One side, who said in a statement: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
"Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
Horner has been linked with a move to Ferrari, who have struggled to compete with McLaren this year.
Christian Horner intends to take a break from F1 in order to spend more time with wife Geri Halliwell following his departure from Red Bull on Wednesday
GETTY
However, according to the Daily Mail, the Briton has no immediate plans to return to Formula One despite talk of a potential switch.
Instead, Horner wants to spend more time with his wife Geri Halliwell and the rest of his family.
Last year, in February, the former Red Bull team principal was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a female employee.
He was cleared internally by Red Bull twice, however, and oversaw their success in the Drivers' Championship - with Max Verstappen reigning supreme for the fourth year in a row.
JUST IN: John McEnroe scolded by Clare Balding after taking dig at Wimbledon star
Horner was supported by wife Geri during that ordeal.
Meanwhile, news of Horner's departure has led to new suggestions that Verstappen could leave Red Bull.
The Dutchman has been linked with moves to the likes of Aston Martin and Mercedes amid his sensational exploits on the grid in recent years.
Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle, however, thinks that Verstappen is likely to stay - despite admitting there's uncertainty.
READ MORE: John McEnroe, 66, left heartbroken after Wimbledon incident on Centre Court - 'That's so sad'
Geri Horner and Christian Horner have been married ever since 2015GETTY“I can only surmise it means it’s more likely he stays at this moment,” said the former F1 star.
“It remains to be seen. Every point Max has through his own genius driving is in a Red Bull car. They’re debuting their own engine [with Ford] for the first time next year. which is going to be the biggest change in Formula 1 history.
“We know that Max has an exit clause based on where he is in the world championship at the end of this month.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Brundle also sensationally revealed that Horner hadn't been informed of a reason for his sacking, with the 51-year-old left in the dark.
“I believe it’s probably performance-related,” he added.
“I think it perhaps make it more likely that the Verstappens (Max and Jos) will stay there. That became quite personal.
Christian Horner oversaw great success at Red Bull during his time in chargeGETTY“There are a number of aspects. The car is struggling, but they’ve won races brilliantly this year.
"I’m due to speak to Christan later in the day, I said ‘can I have a chat?’ And he wasn’t able to do that.
“No reason was given to him as to why he’s been released. That’s the only hard info on that. Nothing’s forever. Things move on.”