Horner’s exit, it has been surmised, Red Bull’s last-ditch attempt to retain Verstappen with his camp said to be unhappy with the team principal. According to Martin Brundle, ‘Team Verstappen’ played a critical role in Red Bull’s decision to sack the team boss.

The ever-growing speculation that Max Verstappen is in talks with Mercedes about a switch from Formula 1 rivals Red Bull

With the Mercedes and Max Verstappen flirtation continuing, the impact such a partnership could have would be seismic in Formula 1. Here’s a delve into the factors in play