Jos and Horner were caught arguing behind the scenes at the Bahrain Grand Prix as the three-time world champion’s father made his feelings clear on the Red Bull boss’ future. 

Explaining his frustrations, Jos said: “There is tension here while he remains in position. 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.”

His father’s comments were posed to the reigning world champion ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. “We have been together until yesterday,” Max explained.

“We spend a lot of time together, but also with Raymond [Vermeulen]. As such, we are a team. My father must have felt what he shouted, but that doesn’t matter to me. I just want to focus on my performance.”

The 26-year-old was then questioned over whether or not his father still supports his own comments, to which he responded: “I didn’t ask him that. I don’t know him as someone who is straightforward.

“He is outspoken, but not a liar. That much is certain. But what else can I say about it? I think it is especially important is to talk more about the great car we have, because no one seems to be doing that lately.

“My dad and I are very close. We call every day. At the other end, I am not the guy who likes to speak a lot about certain stuff and I just want to focus on the driving. If there are issues, we try to resolve it within the team.”

The Dutchman made clear that he believes the tensions can be resolved, despite the ongoing drama. “Everyone in general, even if you have arguments or not, there are things that can be worked out,” he added. “Everyone is man enough and respectful enough anyway.

“I have not always agreed with everything that has happened – and I am not talking about lately – just in general in F1 and that is where sometimes it is good to have discussions. You might agree to disagree, that is what happens in a relationship.”