Max Verstappen opened up on Christian Horner's shock removal from the role of Red Bull Racing's team principal with a post on social media hours after the decision was made public by the six-time world constructors' champions, which came as a surprise to most of the sporting world.

The Dutch driver paid tribute to Horner with an emotional post recalling the special memories they have spent together.

"From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!," wrote the four-time world champion.

Horner has been part of Red Bull since 2005 and was the longest-serving team principal on the circuit. The 51-year-old took charge of the team in their debut season and remained in charge till the stunning call by the team to remove him mid-season.

In Horner's tenure, Red Bull became one of the greatest teams in F1 history as he helped them win the constructors' world championship on six occasions. He also oversaw eight drivers' world championship titles as Sabastian Vettel and Max Verstappen both won four titles in his tenure.

Horner took charge of Red Bull in 405 races in which the team won 124 times.

As far as Max is concerned, he has been working with Horner since his arrival at Red Bull following a promotion from Racing Bulls (then known as Torro Rosso) in 2017. The 27-year-old was crowned world champion in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Horner's sacking comes at a time when Max's future is a source of major speculation following a poor start to the 2025 season for Red Bull, with the Dutchman set to lose his World Championship title. A move to Mercedes seems to be on the cards for Verstappen, with strong rumours in recent days with neither party denying them either.