Former FIA steward and F1 driver Johnny Herbert has predicted a "difficult period" for Red Bull Racing following the abrupt departure of CEO and team principal Christian Horner. Herbert also highlighted Max Verstappen's links to Mercedes,

Christian Horner was removed as team principal of Red Bull F1 on Wednesday with his strained relationship with Jos Verstappen belived to have played a role in his departure

While Verstappen Snr’s prediction was kept at bay in 2024, it is clear to see that Red Bull has experienced, if not an ‘explosion’, then a drawn-out collapse. Like the death of a star, one of F1’s great modern dynasties has imploded in phases.