Max Verstappen's camp have slammed rumours that he wanted Christian Horner removed in order to commit his future to Red Bull.
Horner recently left his role as team principal after a glittering 20-year stint at the helm.
However, while it's been suggested the Briton's departure has boosted Red Bull's hopes of keeping Verstappen, that doesn't appear to be the case.
According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, the four-time world champion is having "second thoughts" about his future with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
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|Max Verstappen's camp have slammed rumours that he wanted Christian Horner removed in order to commit his future to Red Bull
Despite holding a contract through to the end of 2028, Verstappen could potentially activate various exit clauses to force a move away from the team.
Sources have suggested his stance on leaving hasn't changed since Horner's exit was confirmed.
The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's future is expected to be resolved soon, with drivers traditionally confirming their plans for the following season during the summer break after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
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GETTY | Christian Horner oversaw great success at Red Bull during his time in charge prior to his dismissal last Wednesday
Mercedes has emerged as Verstappen's most likely destination should he decide to leave Red Bull.
Discussions have already taken place with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, though no contract has been offered or agreed upon at this stage.
The potential move would create a significant dilemma for Mercedes regarding their current driver line-up.
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George Russell appears most vulnerable to losing his seat to accommodate Verstappen, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli expected to be retained by the team.
Reports have dismissed as "nonsense" by "all parties" the rumours suggesting Verstappen's camp wanted Horner removed as a condition for committing his future to Red Bull.
This denial includes Verstappen's own representatives.
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Red Bull's leadership team are reportedly "terrified" that Verstappen will depart, as it would present them with their most challenging driver decision since entering Formula 1.
Should the Dutchman leave for Mercedes, Russell would become Red Bull's most logical replacement target.
Horner had previously held discussions with Russell about a potential move to the team. However, any driver joining Red Bull would face the challenge of adapting to a car that has been specifically developed around Verstappen's driving style over several years.
GETTY | Max Verstappen could still leave Red Bull following the departure of Christian Horner
The team could alternatively pursue Carlos Sainz or Alex Albon, though both would need to be bought out of their existing contracts.
Red Bull also has the option of promoting from their pool of young drivers, including Yuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson or Arvid Lindblad.
However, whether a combination of Tsunoda paired with one of these emerging talents would meet Red Bull's competitive requirements remains questionable.