Red Bull's head of sporting projects Oliver Mintzlaff made a telling comment about the future of Max Verstappen, just months before Christian Horner was sacked as team principal of the Formula 1 team.
Horner, who helped Red Bull win six Constructors' Championship titles between 2010 and 2023, was relieved of his duties with immediate effect on Tuesday evening.
A statement from Red Bull later revealed that the 51-year-old will be replaced by Laurent Mekies, who was the team principal at sister team Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said: "We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. 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."
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Mintzlaff added: "Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
Verstappen paid tribute to Horner as he issued an emotional statement on social media.
The Dutch driver's future has been clouded by uncertainty, having been heavily linked with a move to Mercedes in recent weeks. Aston Martin are also interested in signing the 27-year-old.
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That's despite being on a £50 million-a-year contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season.
But Mintzlaff is 'convinced' Verstappen will continue to represent Red Bull in 2026 and beyond.
"I'm convinced he'll continue the long journey he's taken with Red Bull so far, Max will continue to drive for us in 2026," he told German publication Bild in April.
"On the one hand, it was not without reason that he signed until the end of 2028, and on the other hand, he has recently made his position clear.
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"Max once told me that he started his career at Red Bull - and would like to end it there too. As far as I know, that hasn't changed."
The 49-year-old Red Bull chief added: "We've benefited enormously from Max, the best driver in the world, but the truth is, he also owes a lot to Red Bull. We're currently going through a difficult phase, of course, but I don't have the feeling that this has put Max in doubt.
"As long as the attitude that we want to build the best car in the world is lived out, he'll pull together with us. That's the only way we can be successful again. And we will. A long-term partnership also means sticking together in difficult times."
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner, Formula 1
Jack Kenmare