Max Verstappen and his entourage have reportedly laid out demands for Christian Horner to step aside or have his powers curtailed as a condition for the four-time world champion's long-term future at Red Bull Racing.
According to German outlet Auto Motor und Sport, the Dutch driver's interest in remaining with the Milton Keynes-based team depends on restructuring the leadership.
The Thai majority owners, the Yoovidhya family, are reportedly no longer "completely opposed to restructuring" amid the team's recent performance struggles.
This marks a significant shift in their stance towards potential changes at the top of the Formula 1 team's management structure.
Max Verstappen is reportedly pushing for a restrucure of the leadership team at Red Bull
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The Verstappen camp's demands reportedly include dividing leadership roles among multiple people, similar to McLaren's current structure.
Tensions between Verstappen's entourage and Horner have been ongoing, with Jos Verstappen, the driver's father, publicly calling for the British team principal to step down during the early stages of the 2024 campaign.
Though Jos Verstappen later suggested the relationship was improving, telling De Limburger: "I don't think we should go on holiday together. But at the end of the day, I don't work here, and he is Max's team boss."
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Jos Verstappen described his relationship with Christian Horner as he doesn't think they should 'go on holiday together'
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The 51-year-old Horner has led Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005, becoming integral to the team's operations over more than two decades.
Red Bull currently sits fourth in the Constructors' Championship standings, 47 points behind third-placed Mercedes.
The Austrian Grand Prix marked the team's worst weekend of the season so far, with Verstappen's title hopes described as laying "in ruins".
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Despite speculation linking him with moves to Ferrari and Alpine, Horner has dismissed departure rumours.
He told Sky Sports F1: "There are so many rumours, I'm not going anywhere. I'm fully committed to Red Bull.
"We've got so much good stuff coming through the pipeline. We're on the verge of launching our own engine for 2026, which has been a massive project and undertaking."
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After the disappointment of the Austrian Grand Prix, Christian Horner said he 'isn't going anywhere'
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The situation comes amid continued interest from Mercedes in securing Verstappen's services, with the Dutch driver reportedly bound by a performance clause that would allow him to leave if he finishes fourth or below in the championship.
Beyond Horner's position, further changes could include the departure of 81-year-old Helmut Marko, with Sebastian Vettel reportedly being considered as his replacement.
Verstappen has been described as "single-handedly" maintaining Red Bull's image in recent years as their most consistent points scorer.
His potential exit could significantly impact the energy drinks manufacturer's value and standing in Formula 1, adding pressure on the ownership to accommodate his demands.
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