Max Verstappen has revealed that he still speaks to former boss Christian Horner during ‘every race weekend’. The Brit was axed as Red Bull team principal after the British Grand Prix back in July and hasn’t been spotted in the paddock since, but his name continues to circulate in the F1 rumour mill.

Horner has been linked with a return to the grid with a number of teams, including Alpine, Cadillac, Haas, Ferrari, and, most recently, Aston Martin. The 52-year-old even reportedly received a factory tour from Adrian Newey, although Lawrence Stroll has ruled out a role within the Silverstone-based organisation.

Despite spending some time away from the paddock, Verstappen and Horner remain in close contact. “Yes,” the Dutchman confirmed when asked by PA if they still speak. “Every race weekend. He will send a message about anything; how the race went, and keeping up to date with life. So, we are still in very good contact, absolutely.

“It is very important to acknowledge what Christian did for this team and the moments we lived through together; the first title in 2021, the rollercoaster of that year and emotions of the final race in Abu Dhabi. They are moments you will never forget.”

Horner’s exit was followed, albeit not immediately, by a dramatic turnaround within the Red Bull camp. After the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Verstappen was over 100 points behind first-placed Oscar Piastri in the standings, but heading into the season finale, he trails Lando Norris at the top by just 12 points.

This has been made possible by a remarkable return to form that has seen Verstappen climb onto the podium in nine straight Grand Prix weekends. Tucked in amongst that run have been five race wins, too, bringing him level with the McLaren duo.

According to Verstappen, the revival has nothing to do with Horner’s influence. “The problem we had is that there was a lot of stuff that was going on,” he explained. “We were lost with the car, and that didn’t help in terms of keeping everything under control and quiet, and people were leaving, too.

“But everything together with the change in team boss, plus suddenly understanding the car, by coincidence, it just brought peace because people were then suddenly more confident again and that calmed things down.”

Asked about a comeback, Verstappen added: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he is back, right? I don’t speak to Christian about that because I don’t want to interfere. And maybe it was not good for us internally in the team, but for the F1 world, him against Toto [Wolff] or whoever, that was always enjoyable to see. Now everyone is too friendly!”