Horner’s comments come as speculation surrounding the future of both himself and Max Verstappen persist.

Verstappen has been linked with a move to Mercedes, driven there by the ongoing saga engulfing Red Bull Racing.

Horner’s own future has been questioned following a German press report that he could be sacked before the Australian Grand Prix.

“No individual is bigger than the team,” Horner declared.

“We have a phenomenal car. We’ve got one seat open for next year, probably got 16 drivers that desperate to be in that car. Checo [Sergio Perez] is in pole position, it’s his to lose.

“I think we have a strong relationship with Max. He’s doing a wonderful job. His focus is very much on what he’s doing on track and that’s where our focus is.”

The off-track happenings at Red Bull Racing have dominated the news since allegations against Horner became public at the start of February.

The 50-year-old was cleared of those but has remained in the spotlight courtesy of an email leaking purported evidence from the internal investigation.

Jos Verstappen has been outspoken in his opposition to Horner remaining in his role, while Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has had his future drawn into question.

It’s a messy scenario during which Max Verstappen has made his allegiance to Marko apparent.

The Dutchman is contracted to Red Bull Racing until the end of 2028, though it is understood to have a clause allowing him to leave should Marko depart.

However, Horner has also stated that he’d not stand in Verstappen’s way should he want to leave the team.

“It’s like anything in life, you can’t force somebody to be somewhere just because of a piece of paper,” he said.

“If somebody didn’t want to be at this team, then we’re not going to force somebody against their will to be here.

“And that applies whether it’s a machine operator, or a designer, or somebody in one of the support functions, that runs through the business.

“Being involved in a team like this involves commitment and passion.

“Max has that we’ve seen that he’s been here since he was 18 years of age, and I have no doubt that because of his commitment and passion going forward.”

Why the current drama has dragged on is a curious question that highlights tensions within the team.

Horner was cleared of all allegations against him on the eve of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The matter has remained in the headlines simply because some have willingly fuelled it – be that by leaking information or by comments to the media.

Early in the weekend in Saudi Arabia, Horner and Max Verstappen both spoke about a need to move on and focus on energies on the on-track action.

However, by the end of it, Marko, Jos and Max Verstappen, and Horner himself, had all contributed to the ordeal remaining in the news cycle – the latter because he was asked for his reaction to comments made elsewhere.

“I think there’s probably too much said already by other parties,” the Red Bull Racing team boss said.

“It’s about the team is the team. Max is part of the team. Helmut’s part of the team. I lead his team. Everybody has a key role to play, and that’s it.

“We have a very good relationship with Max, and we listen to whatever Max has to say,” Horner added when asked what influence Verstappen has over decisions within the team.

“But the team will always make the right decisions for the team whether that’s strategically, whether that’s race, whether that’s for the future, whether that’s on an engine choice, on a sponsorship voice.

“The team will always do what is right for the team.”

Horner added that there was no issue with his star driver.

“It’s absolutely fine with Max,” he asserted.

“He’s working well within the team. There’s no tension. There’s no stress.

“You can see how relaxed he is around the garage with everybody in the team. That’s translating to his performance on track as well.

“So we don’t see any issues with Max.”