Red Bull announced Horner's exit with immediate effect on Wednesday, ending an association of 20 years that began in 2005.

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.