Horner’s departure came after a tumultuous 18-month period at Red Bull, during which Max Verstappen’s father Jos called for the team boss to resign as he warned that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in charge.

Amid Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen and Red Bull’s decline in performance, Horner’s abrupt axe was interpreted by some as an attempt to keep the champion at the team. However, Brundle confirmed the Verstappens' position on Horner, and whether they were behind his sacking.