Jos Verstappen denies leaking Christian Horner's files, but wants to sack the Red Bull boss

Jos Verstappen, the father of world champion driver Max Verstappen, has denied being the source of the leaks that have jeopardised Christian Horner's position as Red Bull team boss.

Verstappen Sr. called on Horner to resign from his post, although team bosses said last week that an internal investigation had found the Englishman not guilty of alleged inappropriate conduct.

A large amount of leaked material – allegedly messages between Horner and a colleague – ensured that Horner remained in the spotlight at the first race of the season in Bahrain this weekend.

But the former F1 driver, whose son won the drivers' title three times in a row with Red Bull, rejected the suggestion that he was behind the leaks.

“That wouldn't make sense,” said Jos Verstappen. “Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”

Nevertheless, Verstappen Sr. put further pressure on Horner to abandon a role he had played with great success for 19 years, and in Bahrain the team achieved another Verstappen-led one-two.

“As long as he stays in office, there will be tension,” said Jos Verstappen. “The team is in danger of being torn apart. Things cannot continue as they are. It will explode. He is playing the victim, even though he is the one causing the problems.”

Horner, who is likely to continue to enjoy the support of Red Bull's majority shareholder, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, said on Saturday that he was “absolutely” confident of continuing.

“There was a full, lengthy internal process, completed by an independent KC, and the complaint raised was dismissed. End of story. Move on,” said Horner, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

What is less clear is whether Horner also has the necessary support from Red Bull's Austrian headquarters, namely from 49 percent shareholder Mark Mateschitz and motorsport consultant Helmut Marko.

The controversy did not stop Red Bull from dominating the season opener, with Verstappen Jr. winning by 22 seconds ahead of teammate Sergio Perez.

Carlos Sainz finished just third, ahead of his Ferrari colleague Charles Leclerc and the trio of Englishmen George Russell, Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.

The new F1 season continues this week with two back-to-back races in the Middle East, with practice starting in Saudi Arabia on Thursday and the Grand Prix taking place on Saturday.