Verstappen has been heavily linked with a shock switch to Mercedes amid Red Bull’s current competitive struggles that have seen the four-time world champion fall 69 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and look unlikely to retain his crown for a fifth successive year.

Laurent Mekies, the boss of sister team Racing Bulls, will replace Horner, who has been with the team since its inception in 2005 and led it to 124 wins and numerous championships.