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Tom Jenkins
Ferrari have responded to links to former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner following his sacking after 20 years.
Formula 1 was sent into meltdown on Wednesday when Horner's shock sacking was announced by Red Bull Racing.
It was quickly confirmed that Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies will take over from Horner at the team from the Belgium Grand Prix at the end of the month.
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Following the news, a video surfaced of the 51-year-old addressing employees at the team's factory in Milton Keynes to announce his departure.
Tributes to Horner have since have poured in from the world of F1, including from reigning world champion Max Verstappen, and his Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
Towards the end of Horner's time at Red Bull he had been linked with a shock move to Ferrari to replace the under-pressure Fred Vasseur at the Scuderia.
Back in May, German outlet Bild claimed that Ferrari had made an initial approach to Horner due to Ferrari's underwhelming start to the season.
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Following the report, Horner was bombarded with questions ahead of last month's Spanish Grand Prix about a potential move away from Red Bull.
"Of course it’s always flattering to be associated with other teams but my commitment 100 percent is with Red Bull," Horner explained.
"My Italian is worse than Flavio’s [Briatore] English, so how on earth would that work?" He added.
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With Horner now out of a job in F1 the links are bound to return, however, Ferrari have already made their stance on signing Horner clear.
According to AutoRacer, for the moment there is a strong denial of any interest in Horner from inside Maranello.
However, things can change very quickly in F1 and if Vasseur doesn't provide Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton with winning machinery soon, a replacement would seem inevitable.
Horner has broken his silence following the shock news of his departure with an emotional statement on Wednesday evening.
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Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved.
"Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.
"Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships.
"Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You’ve pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.
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"Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.
"It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 — and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today. Thank You.
"Christian."