Fresh reports have claimed Christian Horner is eyeing Fernando Alonso as a possible replacement for Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
But Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has admitted he could quit the F1 side if that ends up happening.
Horner was recently cleared of misconduct by Red Bull and has the backing of the team, despite the female employee who alleged inappropriate behaviour appealing their verdict.
The 50-year-old has overseen the first three races of the new F1 season in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
Christian Horner could lose Red Bull chief Gianpiero Lambiase if he lets Max Verstappen leave the team
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And Horner has always denied the claims against him and is eager to stay at Red Bull for many years to come, having been with the side ever since his appointment as team principal back in 2005.
There is, however, talk of Verstappen potentially leaving.
Mercedes are targeting the 26-year-old, with Lewis Hamilton off to Ferrari at the end of the season.
Though Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, his contract has a 'break clause' that allows him to leave ahead of schedule should Helmut Marko depart his role as advisor.
With the Dutchman's future up in the air, there are whispers of Alonso coming in.
But Lambiase has suggested he'd leave Red Bull if Verstappen goes amid the links to Alonso.
"I honestly see Max as a younger brother," Lambiase told the BBC.
"We can talk about anything and anyone at any time.
"We're at the point where we just felt completely relaxed and at ease with each other.
"Maybe I am speaking out of turn, but I don't think I would have any interest in working with another driver now.
"Having had the success that we have enjoyed together with Max, working with one of the greatest talents that the sport has ever seen, I don't think it would be fair on another driver, from their perspective or mine, to try and replicate what we have achieved with Max."
Lambiase has been working with Red Bull ever since arriving from Force India in 2015.
He has struck up a close bond with Verstappen, helping the 26-year-old establish himself as one of the best drivers in F1 history.
And Lambiase, reflecting on his experience, believes his years of working in the industry have helped him coax the best from the Red Bull star.
"I had experience working with multiple drivers before Max, and that was one of the biggest helps in terms of hitting the ground running with him," Lambiase added.
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Red Bull chief Gianpiero Lambiase has admitted he could quit the team
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"I think if I would have been a newbie to my role - I won't quite say he would have eaten me alive, but I'm not sure he would have had that respect for a junior engineer."
Verstappen was visibly angry after toiling at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.
He was unable to finish the race, with Carlos Sainz Jr proceeding to secure glory instead.
But Horner defended Verstappen after he was seen rowing with a Red Bull engineer.
"Obviously, a driver is going to be frustrated when he gets out of a car from a retirement," he explained.
Fernando Alonso could end up replacing Max Verstappen at Red Bull with Christian Horner reportedly keen on the veteran
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"I think he's been very gracious with the team and all of the mechanics.
"It hurts everybody in the same way. It's a matter of learning from it.
"We've had two years with no mechanical DNFs which has been remarkable.
"It's a matter of understanding what caused it and learning from it and moving on.
"It's remarkable after three races that he's still leading the championship even with that DNF but, as I say, a lot of lessons to take from today."
