Max Verstappen ventured onto social media to deliver his thoughts on Red Bull sacking Formula 1 Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner.
The Milton Keynes-based team’s board sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock as it announced its decision to part ways with Horner.
The 51-year-old had led the team since its inception in 2005, after the late Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz bought out a struggling Jaguar outfit.
Under his reign, the Energy Drinks conglomerate won six Constructors’ and eight Drivers’ titles, four apiece with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
However, it was announced on Wednesday that the board had decided to relieve Horner from his duties as CEO and Team Principal with immediate effect.
Racing Bulls’ Laurent Mekies will assume his role at Red Bull with ex-Renault stalwart Alan Permane to take up Mekies’ position at the Faenza-based squad.
Horner was under immense pressure since last season with the team’s dwindling results, second-driver problems, and an unsavoury inappropriate behaviour allegation that reportedly created a rift between him and the likes of Helmut Marko, Jos Verstappen, and Adrian Newey.
And while speculation is rife that Horner’s exit is politically motivated and on the behest of Verstappen’s camp, the four-time World Champion came onto X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to deliver his farewell message to the longest-standing Team Principal in the paddock.
“From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes,” he wrote.
“Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian.”
The Dutchman was not the only paddock personality to comment on the Briton’s departure.
Alpine Executive Advisor, Flavio Briatore also penned a farewell note on his official Instagram handle.
“20 years at the top says it all. A competitor on the track but also a friend off track,” Briatore wrote.
“Well done on your achievements @christianhorner at @redbullracing and Wishing you all the best on your next adventure. Forza Christian!”
READ MORE — Red Bull has rolled the dice to retain Max Verstappen with Christian Horner removal
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