MAX Verstappen could be forced to turn to Mercedes after the in-fighting at Red Bull turned toxic. It threatens to rip Red Bull apart as Max Verstappen has to choose between his dad or the boss of his team. The Dutchman said Red Bull Racing will “explode” if Horner remains team principal. It is not known whether Verstappen Snr has any knowledge of the alleged plot to force Horner out, but their friendship is now in tatters. Perhaps the most significant level of business support came from Chalerm Yoovidhya, the Thai co-owner of Red Bull, who before the race posed with Horner for photographs in front of Max Verstappen’s car. Should he choose his father – and Red Bull stick by their decision to keep Horner – it only points one way.

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