In a stunning turn of events in the Formula 1 world, Yuki Tsunoda, the Red Bull driver, has revealed that even after being let go from his role, Christian Horner sent him a message of encouragement prior to the Belgian Grand Prix.

Just two weeks ago, Red Bull Racing dropped a bombshell, announcing Horner's immediate removal from his positions as both team principal and CEO. The news left many within the organization in shock, with Horner himself describing it as an unexpected development during a meeting shortly after his termination.

Replacing Horner is Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls, while Alan Permane takes over operational duties at the Faenza-based squad. Despite no longer being in charge, Horner remains invested in the team’s success and reached out to Tsunoda.

Tsunoda shared, "I appreciate how Christian supported me at various races. Yesterday, I received a message from him that said, ‘Show what you can do.’ It was a nice gesture." This support comes as Tsunoda faces challenges in his performance, having earned only seven points since joining Red Bull during the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this season, while teammate Max Verstappen amassed an impressive 129 points.

The young driver mentioned he learned about Horner’s sacking through Helmut Marko on what he described as a pivotal day for the team. He stated, "It’s such a big change. For the last 20 years, Christian was a constant for Red Bull’s success. It’s a big shift for all of us."

With Mekies stepping into his new role starting at the Belgian Grand Prix, Tsunoda feels optimistic about the transition. The two have previously worked well together, fostering a relationship of mutual trust from their time in VCARB.

Tsunoda expressed excitement for this new chapter, stating, "I know Laurent well from before and have confidence in our synergy. Although it’s mid-season, I believe my existing rapport will allow for a smoother transition. I’m eager to see how he leads the team moving forward."

As Tsunoda prepares for the upcoming race, the stakes couldn’t be higher—not only for him personally but also in navigating the changes within the team. The message from Horner underscores the deep connections forged in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, showcasing how support can flow even amidst tumultuous changes.