The new Red Bull CEO and team principal, Laurent Mekies, who was promoted just a few days ago, spoke warmly of Christian Horner, admitting that it feels quite strange not to see him around the team anymore.

Red Bull’s Formula 1 team is changing team directors for the first time since it was founded 20 years ago, after Christian Horner's sacking sent shockwaves through the sport on Wednesday.

Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but he is being courted by Mercedes.