Max Verstappen’s dad Jos ‘has told friends his son will LEAVE Red Bull if he has to – with Mercedes a potential destination’ – amid feud with Christian Horner

Max Verstappen could reportedly leave Red Bull if Christian Horner remains in his position.

The Red Bull chief – who earns £8million a year – was the subject of an internal investigation last month after allegations of ‘coercive behavior’ towards a female colleague were made against him, before he was cleared on Wednesday.

Several messages allegedly between Horner and his accuser were then leaked via anonymous email, adding even more fuss to the whole situation.

And according to The TelegraphJos Verstappen, Max’s father – who publicly called for Horner to leave his role – has told friends that his son will leave Red Bull if he has to.

Speaking after the Bahrain Grand Prix – which Verstappen won – Jos told Mail Sport exclusively: ‘There is tension here as he stays in position.

‘The team is in danger of being torn apart. It cannot continue as it is. It will explode. He plays the victim, while he is the one causing the problems.’

Mail Sport revealed on Saturday how Jos, Michael Schumacher’s former teammate, got into a blazing row in Horner’s paddock office after qualifying on Friday evening.

Verstappen, 51, left the fiery meeting before returning to the room and reluctantly shaking hands.

According to his relations, Horner believes that Verstappen Snr has organized a campaign to oust him in recent weeks, with the implication that the Dutchman even had a hand in the email leak.

Verstappen denies the claims and says: ‘That would make no sense. Why would I do that if Max is doing so well here?’

And the Telegraph report claims that during the weekend of the Bahrain Grand Prix – which Max won with flying colors – Jos had openly courted and spoken to Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, who is an enemy of Horner and also apparently to his head shouted.

They were seen together on several occasions in full view of the rest of the F1 world, while Wolff and Jos also both stayed at The Four Seasons hotel and spoke at length there.

Their tire rumors come at a turbulent time for Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari for the 2025 season meaning they have a vacant seat for next year.

Meanwhile, continued instability at Red Bull amid Horner’s position will only increase the gossip surrounding Verstappen’s future.

Wolff appeared to play down rumors that Verstappen would join his team when asked after the weekend, although he did speak highly of the Dutchman.

“I think the driver will always choose the fastest car,” Wolff said. ‘That’s what it’s essentially all about. At the moment the Red Bull is the fastest car, so that will always be the priority as far as I’m concerned.

‘Max is in a different class, in a different galaxy. We just have to recognize his level of performance. The performance was extraordinary.’

While Wolff may be interested in Verstappen, the report also claims this could all be a tactic to upset Horner and put pressure on Red Bull’s parent company to act, with both the Mercedes chief and Jos has constant arguments with the 50-year-old.

However, there is a chance it is a move that could actually happen, with Wolff trying to bring back Verstappen when he was still a junior.

Meanwhile, the Red Bull chief’s determination to remain in his role, coupled with Jos’ very public outburst, means it is unlikely either will be able to remain in their positions, with the dominant F1 team of recent years is in danger of falling apart.

Horner received a very public show of support from his former Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, in the paddock in Bahrain.

She walked with him hand in hand and wearing a smile from the main entrance to the catering area before sitting down for lunch.

After the win, Horner said: “I’m not going to comment on any person’s motives for doing this.”

Asked if he would be at next weekend’s race and the entire season in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he said: ‘Absolutely. I have always been confident that I will be here.”