Horner called the news a “shock” as he paid tribute to the team members, calling his time at Red Bull “the biggest privilege of my life.”

Red Bull’s Formula 1 team is changing team directors for the first time since it was founded 20 years ago, after Christian Horner's sacking sent shockwaves through the sport on Wednesday.

Horner is a key figure in one of the most dramatic and controversial title fights in history as Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to the championship.