Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is looking to leave the Formula One team in another major shake-up following the decision to sack Christian Horner.
The bombshell news came on Wednesday morning that Red Bull had decided to part ways with their team principal and CEO after 20 years at the helm.
A statement from the team confirmed the news, including Laurent Mekies promotion from junior team Racing Bulls as CEO.
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
Max Verstappen wants to leave Red Bull while Christian Horner has been sacked
Reuters
"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."
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Horner's dismissal comes during a turbulent time for Red Bull, who are battling to keep hold of star driver Verstappen.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has made no secret of his desire to sign the Dutchman as a stellar replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who left for Ferrari this year.
According to talkSPORT, Verstappen wants to leave for Mercedes amid news that the Silver Arrows have mastered the new 2026 engine regulations.
That is despite public denials from Horner, previous to his sacking, and coy words from Verstappen, who merely said that it would be 'cool' to stay at the same team his entire career.
At the British Grand Prix, which turned out to be Horner's last race with Red Bull, the 51-year-old said: “The contracts between the drivers and the teams will always remain confidential.
“With any driver's contract, there is an element of a performance mechanism. Of course, that exists within Max's contract. His intention is that he will be there and driving for us in 2026.
“It's inevitable that he's of huge interest to any other team in the pit lane. I think actually probably George [Russell] triggered all this speculation, probably trying to leverage his own situation and force a clarity.
“Which you can understand because he's driven a very good season as well this year. But inevitably there will always be speculation about it.
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Max Verstappen is reportedly open to joining MercedesPA“I think the most important thing is the clarity that exists between Max and the team and that's very clear.”
Verstappen joined Red Bull in 2016 and had an incredible start, landing six top-five finishes in his first eight races - including four podiums.
He went on to become the youngest person to win a Grand Prix at the age of 18 and 228 days, taking the record off Sebastian Vettel, after winning the Spanish Grand Prix.
Verstappen has since gone on to win four world titles as Red Bull dominated from 2021 to 2024.
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