Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert claims the saga surrounding Christian Horner has 'caused so much damage' at Red Bull.
Herbert reckons the 50-year-old is 'jealous' of the control that Toto Wolff has at Mercedes after a turbulent few months.
Long-serving team principal Horner was subject to allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague earlier this year.
He was cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent investigation but has still faced multiple calls to resign from his position.
F1 news: Johnny Herbert says Christian Horner has caused 'so much damage' at Red Bull
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Red Bull's three-time back-to-back world champion Max Verstappen has been linked with a shock exit before the expiry of his contract in 2028.
It was also confirmed on Wednesday that the chief technology officer Adrian Newey will be leaving in the first quarter of 2025.
Herbert, who drove in F1 between 1989 and 2000, says Horner has stayed at Red Bull to 'just keep himself in a job'.
And he reckons some recent comments about Wolff suggest there is some envy from Horner.
Herbert told Fastest Payout Online Casino: "This whole incident which started with Christian has caused so much damage.
"There has been no acceptance on his part it seems on what is better for the team rather than him.
"As I see it he is staying there stubbornly just to keep himself in a job.
"What annoys me about Horner is that all his stupid taunts fired at Toto Wolff suggest he is jealous of him.
"Toto is in control at Mercedes but for Christian, it is not quite the same. He is not the boss. Toto decides what happens at the team.
"As things stand at the moment they have the best driver, the best car, the best designer in the best team and it is being utterly ripped apart.
"It seems ridiculous that it has gotten to this point where it is about power and control, when what the team already has is outstanding in the first place.
"Why seek to change all that and allow this friction to be created because of one man?"
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F1 news: Johnny Herbert says Christian Horner is jealous of Toto Wolff's control at Mercedes
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Newey has been instrumental in Red Bull's success in the past two decades, being the chief designer of the team's car.
Herbert is sure there will be no shortage of suitors for his services once his time at Red Bull comes to an end.
He added: "There are three teams fighting over Adrian Newey, Mercedes, Ferrari and Aston Martin. No wonder he has been described as the Lionel Messi of F1.
"Every team wants him. Aston Martin have offered him a big-money contract which Ferrari have now reportedly matched.
F1 news: Adrian Newey will leave Red Bull in 2025
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"It’s a big decision. Does he opt for Aston Martin who have never won a championship, or Ferrari who haven’t for more than 15 years, or Mercedes who are in disarray with their car.
"The fact Lewis has gone to Ferrari indicates that would be where Adrian will end up. I think that appeal to get them back to winning ways would draw him in. That is the place where he would want to have his last hurrah.
"It is very sad that Red Bull have caused their two big assets – Max and Adrian – to want to leave. If Adrian goes Max will look for pastures new."
