Bernie Ecclestone acknowledged the tremendous success Christian Horner achieved with Red Bull, noting that the two share a long-standing friendship that dates back to well before their time in Formula 1.

Horner's departure comes after Verstappen qualified on pole for the British Grand Prix despite a car that he fought all weekend. Verstappen was passed for the lead by Oscar Piastri early in the race and spun from second on a wet restart before coming back to finish fifth.

Formula One world champion doubts whether Christian Horner's successor will be able to fill his shoes at Red Bull.