Martin Brundle has revealed a shock detail about Christian Horner's sacking after speaking to the former Red Bull team principal.
It was confirmed on Wednesday morning that Horner would be relieved of his duties with immediate effect after 20 years at the helm of the Red Bull Racing team.
The team announced that Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies will take over the duties of CEO at Red Bull.
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
Advert
"With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
What Christian Horner sacking means for Max Verstappen
Following the shock news, Brundle appeared on Sky Sports to react to the changes at Red Bull and explained the impact the decision could have on the future of Max Verstappen.
"It's not been difficult to feel in the F1 paddock and to observe that things were not particularly rosy," Brundle began.
Advert
"I believe it’s performance related. I think it makes it more likely that Verstappen will stay there. It became quite personal with Verstappen.
"There are a number of aspects, the car is struggling but they have won races brilliantly this year," he added.
What Christian Horner told Martin Brundle following sacking
Brundle also revealed he had contacted Horner before appearing on Sky Sports News, and made a shock revelation about the context of his departure.
Advert
"I am due to speak to Christian later today, I put a message through to him," he revealed.
"I asked if I could have a chat before I went on TV because I wanted to get his side of the story but that wasn’t possible. What he did say to me was no reason was given to him of why he was being released."
Christian Horner's 'uneasy relationship' at Red Bull led to exit
Sky Sports News' Craig Slater also weighed in on the news, and claimed fractures in the team could have led to Horner's departure.
Advert
"The other aspect to all of this has been the uneasy relationship between Horner and the Verstappen's, particular Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen’s father," Slater explained.
Jos Verstappen had called for Horner to be removed from Red Bull last season, following two investigations into the team principal for inappropriate behaviour involving a female employee.
"In the last year or so you’ve had a whole number of high profile people leave the team. Jonathan Wheatley, Adrian Newey, the top designer, Rob Marshall, who’s been very successful at McLaren and other members of staff as well," he added.
Topics: Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen
Tom Jenkins