Max Verstappen camp react to Christian Horner axe from Red Bull

The manager of Max Verstappen is adamant that "nothing will change" following the sacking of Christian Horner.

Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing, confirmed on Wednesday morning that Horner had been "released...from his operational duties with effect from today".

The decision has ended Horner's 20-year reign as team principal since the racing team first hit the grid in 2005.

Max Verstappen has played a major role in Horner's legacy, winning four consecutive drivers' titles since 2022, yet the Dutchman is in the spotlight, given the consistent speculation linking him with a move to Mercedes.

Last season, Verstappen's father, Jos, made clear that Horner needed to go after allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made against the Briton by a female Red Bull employee. Horner was cleared internally and externally.

Eighteen months on, and now Horner has departed, yet for Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermuelen, life goes on.

"We were informed in advance by Red Bull's management that this decision had been taken," Vermeulen said, speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"It is up to Red Bull to give a further explanation as to the rationale.

"We continue to look at the sporting side and are looking for more performance so that we can return to the top

"In that respect, nothing will change."