Verstappen’s hopes of securing a fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship crown have been left in ruins, and Red Bull ’s future as an F1 powerhouse is in doubt. In Mercedes, the Dutchman has been handed a route out of the chaos, although in taking up the offer, he would be moving away from the squad that delivered him a modern motorsport dynasty.

Christian Horner was relieved of his duties as Red Bull Racing team principal and chief executive last week after 20 years in charge of the F1 team and 14 titles