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Max Verstappen has broken his silence on Christian Horner's sacking by Red Bull.
Red Bull relieved Horner of his duties on Wednesday morning after his successful, and latterly controversial, 20-year run as their CEO and team principal.
Horner helped Verstappen land his first F1 drive with Toro Rosso in 2015, gave him his winning Red Bull debut in 2016, and oversaw his four drivers' title victories.
The duo worked together at Red Bull for 10 seasons, also scooping up two constructors' titles together.
Verstappen wrote on X: '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!'
Max Verstappen has thanked Christian Horner for his management at Red Bull
Horner, who helped the Dutchman to four drivers' titles, was sacked by Red Bull on Wednesday
The 51-year-old helped Red Bull to win six Constructors' titles in 13 years as pit boss
Amid a turbulent past 12 months for Red Bull, Verstappen has kept them competitive while team-mates Sergio Perez, Liam lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda have struggled with the car.
He managed to finish 63 points clear of McLaren's Lando Norris to win the title last time out, but this season has fallen behind the Englishman and his team-mate Oscar Piastri.
Horner's reign was the longest of any incumbent team principal until Red Bull swung the axe.
The decision, made with Red Bull sat fourth in the standings, comes just a year after the scandal that engulfed him over texts he apparently sent to a female employee.
Horner's former Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell stood by her husband after the explosive accusations rocked the Formula One paddock last year. Horner has vehemently denied the claims.
Screenshots of alleged WhatsApp messages between Horner and a Red Bull employee were leaked anonymously the day after a three-week investigation, carried out externally, cleared the 51-year-old of all allegations.
Horner survived accusations of coercive behaviour towards his colleague – and was twice cleared in internal investigations of wrongdoing.
In the midst of the controversy, he was told by his wife, Spice Girl Halliwell, to make it 'all go away' – a feat he pulled off for 16 months.
Helmut Marko (left) is thought to have been informed of the decision and is said to be in support of the move
The Austrian side have appointed Laurent Mekies as their CEO to replace Horner
The file allegedly containing texts and images was leaked to almost 200 people involved in the sport, including owners Liberty Media, team principals and the media.
Horner was then exonerated for a second time after the female employee appealed against the findings of the investigation, which were upheld.
An independent lawyer interviewed Horner for almost nine hours, it is understood.
Netflix's most recent series of its hugely-successful Drive to Survive programme revealed Horner's immediate reaction to the bombshell news of the alleged texts being leaked.
'The higher you rise, the sharper the knives,' he said.
'I've reached the top of my game and I never thought in a million years I'd have a challenge like this in my career,' Horner continued. 'It's a crucial time of year, in a job that I do, you're the front face of the organisation.
'You can either hide away or you can get out there and face it.'
Horner had been at the top of the team since its inception in 2005, and has led them in two phases to world championship success through Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, eight drivers' championships and six constructors' championships.
Horner is now replaced by Laurent Mekies, who will take over the duties of CEO at Red Bull Racing, with Alan Permane, currently Racing Director, to be promoted to Team Principal at Racing Bulls.
