Max Verstappen has spoken out about his role in Christian Horner's shock Red Bull departure ahead of the Belgium Grand Prix.
The world of F1 was sent into complete meltdown following the British Grand Prix, with Red Bull announcing Horner would be leaving his role in the team after 20 years.
Horner won six constructor titles, eight driver titles, and 124 grand prix during his time at the team, and has been replaced by Laurent Mekies from the Belgium GP.
The true reason for his sacking remains ambiguous, but Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater claimed the strained relationship with Team Verstappen played a role.
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"The other aspect to all of this has been the uneasy relationship between Horner and the Verstappens, particularly Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen’s father," Slater explained.
Verstappen faced the media for the first time since Horner's exit on Thursday, and gave a damning answer when quizzed on a potential move to Mercedes.
Max Verstappen reveals role in Christian Horner sacking
The Dutchman addressed the rumours surrounding his involvement in the decision to let Horner go.
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"At the end of the day, they run the team. And I'm the driver, so whatever they decide is fully in their right to do what they want," he told the media in Spa.
"And that's basically how it happened. And at the same time now, sitting here, you look back at those 20 years of Red Bull, I think we've had a lot of great years, great results.
"I think the last one and a half years have not gone how we would have liked.
"And, management decided they wanted to steer the ship in a different direction, probably. And then, everyone else, of course, has to agree to that and look forward.
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"I am looking forward, of course, I had already quite a few meetings with Laurent as well, you know, the last two weeks have been quite intense, to jump in.
"I'm equally excited for the team now moving forward because that's what we have to do. Looking back, it doesn't make sense, it's not going to make you faster, but at the same time, we do appreciate it because it's what he is," Verstappen concluded.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1
Tom Jenkins