Former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen, father of reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen, has voiced his concerns over the future of Red Bull Racing amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner. Verstappen Sr. believes that the team is at risk of being torn apart and insists that the situation cannot continue as it is.

In an interview with The Daily Mail following Max Verstappen's triumphant victory in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen Sr. expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating that there is tension within the team as long as Horner remains in his position. He added that the team is "in danger of being torn apart" and predicts that the situation will escalate, with Horner being the source of the problems while playing the victim.

Responding to Verstappen Sr.'s comments, Red Bull issued a statement to CNN, denying any claims of internal unrest within the team. They stated that they are united as a team and are fully focused on their racing endeavors, dismissing Verstappen Sr.'s concerns as untrue.

This controversy surrounding Horner comes after an independent investigation was conducted by Red Bull in February, following accusations of inappropriate behavior towards a member of the racing team, whose identity has not been disclosed. Last week, the investigation concluded that Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing.

However, the saga took an unexpected twist when alleged leaked messages were circulated on Thursday, originating from an anonymous email address. The messages, containing a Google drive of WhatsApp conversations, were sent to notable figures within the F1 community, including race officials, teams, and journalists worldwide.

When approached for comment regarding the leaked messages, Red Bull opted not to comment, stating that it is a private matter between Horner and another individual. Horner, on the other hand, reiterated his denial of any wrongdoing in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, expressing his frustrations with the situation.

Amidst the escalating drama, Jos Verstappen has denied being the source behind the leaked messages, dismissing any notion of personal gain from such an act. He emphasized that Max's contract with Red Bull extends until 2028, emphasizing his son's satisfaction with the team and their performance, and reiterating that he has no interest in destabilizing the team.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the focus remains on Red Bull Racing's ability to manage internal issues and maintain stability within the team. With Max Verstappen's standing as one of the leading forces in F1, preserving a harmonious and focused team environment will be crucial for Red Bull's continued success on the race track.