Christian Horner will push Max Verstappen out of Red Bull if he decides to remain team principal amid the whirlwind surrounding his position, according to Ralf Schumacher. Red Bull made a perfect start to 2024 on the track but are continuing business before an ominous backdrop that jeopardises the team’s era of dominance.
Verstappen commenced where he left off last year in Bahrain to set sail on his quest for a fourth consecutive F1 world title.
Sergio Perez crossed the line in second, with Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren unable to match Red Bull’s pace as they laid down the gauntlet for the season ahead.
Horner was cleared of wrongdoing before the race weekend following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.
However, alleged evidence was then reportedly leaked to media outlets and figures across the paddock, reigniting the controversial saga.
Verstappen’s father, Jos, then publicly demanded that Horner leave Red Bull, accusing him of “playing the victim” and claiming the team is at risk of being “torn apart”.
Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Schumacher told Sky Sports F1 that Verstappen wouldn’t be far from reality with his comments.
“I see it highly critically. What has been achieved at the moment is that the best team that existed in the last decade with Mercedes is destroying itself, especially from the inside,” Schumacher explained.
“I think Toto Wolff, as an onlooker, is relatively happy to be there. He can come out of the matter as a big winner.
“If Christian Horner holds on to his seat with all his might, he will damage Red Bull. But he will also make sure that Max Verstappen leaves the team.”
Horner has passionately defended himself ahead of the action on the track in Saudi Arabia, calling for the coverage of the allegations to end.
Reports this week revealed that the female who complained to Red Bull about Horner had been suspended by the team for being “dishonest”.
