Max Verstappen has outlined how the dynamic within Red Bull could change should Team Principal Christian Horner depart the team.
Horner was placed under investigation several weeks ago and was questioned by an external lawyer after allegations were made against him by an employee.
No resolution has been issued on the eve of the Bahrain Grand Prix, however it is expected that a decision will be made public before on-track action begins in Sakhir on Thursday.
Horner is currently the longest-serving Team Principal on the grid having taken on the role in 2005 when Red Bull made its F1 debut.
The Briton has overseen Red Bull's six Constructors' Championships and seven Drivers' titles, including Verstappen's dominant seasons in 2022 and 2023.
When asked how important Horner is to the team's success, Verstappen told media including RacingNews365: “I think he is very important, otherwise he wouldn't be in that position for such a long time.
“If your team boss disappears for whatever reason for one or two races, not much is going to happen because everyone is in their role, they know what they have to do in the short term.
“But it's all about people management over time. Then of course, things will start to be different if you know one of the leaders [will] start to not be there anymore, but we're not thinking like that.”
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Verstappen not distracted by investigation
Verstappen and Red Bull enter the year looking to take a third straight double championship and expand on its dominant 2023 campaign that saw it win all but one race.
Despite the situation hanging over the Red Bull team, Verstappen denies that he is being distracted by the investigation.
“I'm very focused on the performance of the car and myself,” he said. “Hopefully it will be resolved very soon.
“It's a whole team effort that everyone has to stick together and work towards more success.
“That's why it's important to get everything resolved very soon. I'm trusting the process. That's what's happening right now.
“When you talk about performance, it's of course very important that everyone sticks together.
“Everyone is just very focused on the performance here at the track and everyone is in a good mood and just excited to get going again.”
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