Nico Rosberg, the former Mercedes driver and Sky F1 pundit, believes Christian Horner’s sacking by Red Bull was “a long time in the making.” And the 2016 World Champion says it feels “completely unreal” to think that Horner is no longer in charge of the team he built into a winning machine.

Max Verstappen says Christian Horner’s shock dismissal as Red Bull team principal has “made no difference” to his decision over whether to stay at the team, adding “only time will tell” if it is the right move on the part of the team’s shareholders.

SPA, Belgium — Max Verstappen has said the departure of Red Bull Formula One chief Christian Horner will have no influence on any decision about his future with the team.