Verstappen has made it clear previously that seeing out his Formula 1 career having only driven for a Red Bull team would be the dream scenario, but if he were to stick to his guns, Schumacher warns harder times would likely need to be endured for a while longer yet.

Prior to Wednesday, Horner had served as the only team principal Red Bull had ever had since it joined the grid in 2005, earning 124 victories, 107 pole positions, 287 podiums, eight drivers' world championships and six constructors' championships. Horner will be replaced by Laurent Mekies as CEO and team principal.

After weeks of speculation over the future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull, it is Christian Horner who is departing the team. It was announced on Wednesday that Horner is leaving with immediate effect, and that Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies would be moving into that role with the senior team.