However, supposed messages allegedly sent from Horner were leaked anonymously during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, with rumours of a falling out between Horner and Verstappen's father Jos Verstappen confirmed by the 52-year-old himself.
The 26-year-old is currently under contract at Red Bull until 2028, but it is unclear as to any clauses that may be featured in that contract, and Mercedes are looking for someone to partner George Russell from 2025.
Following Mercedes' poor showing at the Bahrain GP, it seems unlikely that Verstappen would jump the ship of the world champions, but the German publication have tipped him as the 'hottest candidate' to replace Hamilton.