Max verstappen’s dad issues warning amid Christian Horner’s leaked text scandal.

Jos Verstappen, father of Formula One triple world champion Max, claimed Red Bull would ‘explode’ if Christian Horner remains as team principal.

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 eyes of the wider world have been focused on the storm around Horner, 50-year-old husband of former Spice Girl Geri, after sexually suggestive text messages he allegedly sent to a female employee came to public attention in a leaked email on Thursday.

There is tension here while he remains in position,” the elder Verstappen told The 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.”

Verstappen Snr has also denied claims he has launched a campaign to get Horner out. “That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?” he added

Red Bull confirmed on Wednesday that the allegations facing Horner had been dismissed. “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” a statement read. “The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.

“The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned. Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”

Horner issued a statement of his own on Thursday evening, less than 48 hours before the first grand prix of the 2024 season. That race, in Bahrain, was won by Max Verstappen, with his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez finishing second.

“I will not respond to unfounded rumors, but I want to emphasize that I have consistently denied the accusations,” stated Horner on Thursday. “I have always honored the credibility of the impartial inquiry and provided full cooperation throughout the process.”

An impartial specialist barrister carried out a comprehensive and just investigation which determined that the complaint was unfounded.

My attention is now fully on the upcoming start of the season. After his team achieved the top two positions, Horner informed Sky that the team was completely united.

He stated, “Our team is very cohesive. We receive outstanding support, have strong partners, and supportive shareholders.

Achieving such results is only possible through unity.”