Christian Horner could increase pressure on Max Verstappen by pursuing a deal for Carlos Sainz, it has been claimed.
Horner has been Red Bull team principal ever since his appointment in 2005 but, in recent weeks, his position has faced scrutiny.
The 50-year-old was cleared of inappropriate behaviour by an independent Red Bull investigation, with Horner always denying allegations of misconduct.
Yet the female accuser remains determined to fight the verdict of the F1 side and Verstappen's own future is up in the air as a result.
Christian Horner has been tipped to increase pressure on Max Verstappen by pursuing a deal for Carlos Sainz
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The 26-year-old, who has won the last three F1 titles, has been linked with a blockbuster move to Mercedes - who have a vacancy due to Lewis Hamilton's departure to Ferrari at the end of the season.
Toto Wolff has refused to rule out a move for Verstappen, only adding fuel to the fire in the process.
And former F1 engineer Ernest Knoors, speaking to Motorsport.com, has suggested Horner could put pressure on Verstappen by pursuing a move for Sainz.
The 29-year-old is without a team for next season and won the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Knoors said: "I think this is a very interesting one.
"I think you also have to see this a bit in Christian Horner and the power struggle with Helmut Marko, and Red Bull Thailand and Red Bull Austria.
"If Christian feels Max Verstappen and Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko's camp are putting a bit of pressure on him, then you could say: 'Well, someone like Carlos Sainz. If I bring that in, then I have someone with whom I can potentially become champion'.
"That’s what he would think and then it would actually increase the pressure on Max.
"I don’t really think Max is eager to have Carlos Sainz as a team-mate.
"I think there’s a lot of politics involved in that, and Christian is obviously very smart politically.
"I don’t think it would be the best choice or the most obvious choice as Max’s team-mate.
"But if Max would really actually say: 'I’m going somewhere else', with Carlos Sainz you will have a very good driver.
"You can force something on Max with this. It is a politically charged season, though."
Horner was asked about a potential move for Sainz on Sunday.
And the Red Bull chief refused to rule out the prospect of recruiting the Spaniard amid Verstappen's uncertain future.
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Christian Horner refused to rule out signing Carlos Sainz after the Australian Grand Prix over the weekend
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Verstappen endured a nightmare in Australia over the weekend, with the reigning F1 champion unable to finish the race.
The Dutchman was bitterly disappointed and rowed with a Red Bull engineer in the aftermath of the event.
However, prior to the race, Verstappen attempted to shut down talk of a departure by insisting he was happy where he is.
“I think there’s every reason to be happy," said the Dutchman.
“The car is going really well. There’s so many great people in the team that are constantly pushing for better results.
Max Verstappen's Red Bull future is up in the air despite his excellent form on the grid
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“That’s what I focus on.
"I focus on the performance, I’m happy, and when I go home I don’t think about any other thing because it’s pretty fixed where I am.
"And that’s also where I want to be.”
