Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen will be forced to leave Red Bull if Christian Horner ends up keeping his job with the defending champions.
Horner faced the media again in a tense press conference on Thursday where he was asked about Jos Verstappen's comments and his accuser being suspended by Red Bull.
The 50-year-old, who has repeatedly denied the allegations against him and was cleared of any wrongdoing by the investigation, called for the widespread coverage of his private life to stop.
He demanded the media "draw a line" under the controversy and felt the "intrusion on my family is now enough".
But there have been questions over the team dynamics following Verstappen Snr's comments that Red Bull are "in danger of being torn apart" if Horner remains in charge.
Christian Horner will want Max Verstappen to stick at Red Bull
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Three-time world champion Verstappen has dismissed suggestions that he would end his contract with Red Bull early over the Horner saga.
However, that hasn't stopped former F1 driver Schumacher from predicting a shock departure for the Dutchman in the near future.
While discussing the bust-up between Horner and Verstappen Snr on Sky Germany, Schumacher said: "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.
“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 wants the focus to shift to the action on the track with Red Bull enjoying a strong start to the campaign in Bahrain.
Jos Verstappen caused a stir with his comments
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Schumacher feels it won't be as straightforward for Red Bull this time around with Charles Leclerc tipped to bring the fight to Verstappen.
"Ferrari will be close here,” Schumacher added.
“A) Performance, B) Efficiency on the straight - Ferrari is fast and they have the tyre issue under control.
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“It will be a little warmer. That means the Red Bull will be a bit more competitive, especially in qualifying on one lap. But the Ferrari will come closer.
“I don’t have confidence in Mercedes able to say anything. Sometimes the car works, sometimes it doesn't.
“The rest goes along with it. I had Aston Martin on the list in Bahrain and was a bit disappointed. I'm curious to see what's happening there now."
