Verstappen's 'diplomatic' reaction to Horner's departure from Red Bull

17:01, 09 Jul

Updated: 19:04, 09 Jul

bySandy van Wijngaarden

Christian Horner has immediately left Red Bull on Wednesday morning. Max Verstappen, four-time world champion under Horner's leadership, has personally responded to his departure for the first time. He posted an emotional message for the team boss.

Max Verstappen spent Wednesday in the Netherlands. Early in the morning, before the news surrounding Christian Horner broke, his private jet landed in our small country. His exact purpose is unknown. The Dutchman has since departed the country.

Christian Horner was forced to leave Red Bull immediately. The Dutchman's website previously published a response from the four-time world champion. Verstappen himself has since shared a message for Horner online.

Verstappen himself responds for the first time to Horner's dismissal from Red Bull

"From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!" reads the caption.

Max Verstappen, along with Christian Horner, has enjoyed all his successes at the Austrian team. The Briton has been at the helm of Red Bull since its inception. Although performance has been subpar for some time and there has been considerable unrest at Red Bull, Verstappen thanks Horner for all the successes together.

On Wednesday morning, Horner himself broke the news to employees at the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes. GPblog has learned that the decision for the Briton's departure was made on Tuesday, and key stakeholders and sponsors were informed on the same day.