After the announcement, Horner visited the Red Bull factory at Milton Keynes and delivered an emotional address to staff members before departing. The reigning world champion has now reportedly followed suit in a clear message to his team.
“We understand that Max’s private jet flew into an airport near Milton Keynes,” said Sky F1 reporter Ted Kravitz. “He might have been there anyway, just for simulator duties. We’ve got a couple of weeks’ break until the Belgian Grand Prix, so he has to be there.”
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Acknowledging the Dutchman’s future remains up in the air, Kravitz added: “He’ll be there just to reassure his engineers, and to show his face to staff, that he’s still committed, at least for the short term.
“We don’t know what his long-term plans are. But in this period of turmoil for the team in terms of their leadership, he’s there to show that he’s ready to work with the new boss Laurent Mekies.”
Horner’s dismissal comes in the midst of Verstappen being linked with a sensational switch to Mercedes. After four consecutive drivers’ titles, the Dutchman has cut a frustrated figure this year, with his team struggling to match the pace of McLaren.
Verstappen is currently contracted until the end of the 2028 season. However, his deal is thought to contain clauses enabling him to be released if certain performance expectations are not met.
