In a sensational move, Max Verstappen's father has called for Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner to step down from his post.
Horner has been the subject of a lengthy investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
An independent review by the energy drinks manufacturer Red Bull GMBh – not the team itself – cleared Horner of any wrongdoing.
READ MORE: Rooster's bizarre defence of 'monkey' allegation
READ MORE: Broncos star 'in tears' after alleged racist comment
READ MORE: South Sydney coach laments costly errors in Vegas loss
However, on the eve of the F1 season opener, screenshots of messages supposedly between Horner and a co-worker were leaked from an anonymous email.
The messages have not been verified but were sent to every F1 press pass holder.
Now Verstappen's father, Jos, has called for Horner to resign or risk the team's stability.
"There is tension here while he remains in position," Verstappen senior told the Daily Mail.
"The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can't go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems."
The Daily Mail reports Horner and Jos had a "blazing row" after qualifying at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
The report details talk of collusion and an effort from Verstappen to unseat Horner from his position.
Verstappen, however, denies the claim.
"That wouldn't make sense," he said when the allegation was put to him.
"Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?"
Horner was joined by wife Geri Horner (nee Halliwell) formerly of the Spice Girls in a show of support for the embattled team principal who has refused to entertain the allegations.
"I'm not going to comment on anonymous, speculative messages from an unknown source," said Horner in the wake of the leak.
"I've always been entirely confident that I would be here (in Bahrain).
"There was a full, lengthy internal process that was completed by an independent KC. And the grievance that was raised was dismissed. End of. Move on."
At the same time Horner comes under siege, the three-time championship-winning Verstappen was asked by FIA president Ben Sulayem to publicly support his boss.
That's according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf and the BBC.
Following the Bahrain Grand Prix, Red Bull issued a short statement which read: "There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing."
Nevertheless, Red Bull remains a dominant force on track with Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez finishing first and second at the Sakhir circuit.
The F1 season continues at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.