As a weekend of high-tension for Horner came to an end with a dominant 1-2 for Red Bull in the Bahrain Grand Prix, the situation surrounding his future took a dramatic twist late in the evening as Verstappen Sr called for him to go.
Horner has been the subject of an investigation by Red Bull’s energy drinks company following allegations made against him by a female employee.
The eight-week long probe into his behaviour ended on Wednesday with Red Bull dismissing the claims and clearing Horner of wrongdoing.
Just 24 hours later though, in a move clearly designed to try to force Horner out, anonymous emails were sent to senior F1 personnel, including team principals and media, revealing the alleged evidence at the centre of the matter.
Horner has stood firm amid the controversy and helped oversee Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez bring home a perfect start to the new F1 season for the squad on Saturday in Bahrain.
But it is clear tensions remain among those close to him, and Verstappen Sr has now upped the ante in calling for Horner to go.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jos said: “There is tension here while he remains in position.
“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.”
Source: Autosport