George Russell’s contract at Mercedes remains unsigned for next season, adding to the speculation. Neither Russell nor Wolff denied possible talks with Verstappen during the Austrian Grand Prix.

That said, there is no guarantee that Verstappen will stay, even after Horner, who was a thorn in the side of his entourage, was dismissed. According to De Telegraaf, the 51-year-old’s exit has not boosted Red Bull ’s chances of retaining their star driver.