Max Verstappen is 'close' to agreeing a sensational move to Mercedes amid the ongoing Christian Horner saga.
That's according to former F1 star Johnny Herbert, who believes the 26-year-old is on the verge of a switch that will send shockwaves round the sport.
Horner was recently cleared of misconduct by Red Bull following an independent investigation, having always denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
He is, however, still in the spotlight with the situation still rumbling on ahead of the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.
Max Verstappen is seemingly close to agreeing a blockbuster deal with Red Bull
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Verstappen's father, Jos, has reportedly told close friends that his son will leave Red Bull 'if he has to'.
Jos has made no secret of his desire to see Horner leave his post as team principal, a role he's occupied ever since his appointment back in 2005.
And Herbert, speaking to The Sun, has now sensationally claimed Verstappen is 'close' to agreeing a move to Mercedes.
"It's not a good thing for F1 with the whole thing going on and the belated heat on it," he said.
"It doesn't help the situation for Red Bull who have the best driver in the world at the present time.
"And they're very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out off the team, I've heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.
"It seems like a stupid thing to do, their biggest asset is not the Christian Horner show."
Herbert also believes Horner should leave Red Bull, insisting he's too much of a distraction for the sport.
"It's the impact, the possible destroying of the team and the success they have had," he added.
"It's not about the Christian Horner show, it's about the Max Verstappen show as he is the one winning all these races and championships for Red Bull.
"It would be crazy for Max to leave because of the situation...Jos [Verstappen] has said it will be very destructive and rip it apart and I think it's gone on for far too long.
"In some respects, Christian should really think about it and step aside."
Horner and Verstappen have always had a positive relationship.
That's been evident as the 26-year-old has cruised to glory in each of the past three F1 seasons.
But Verstappen is loyal to his father and recently insisted his father 'wasn't a liar'.
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Max Verstappen has been successful while working with Christian Horner at Red Bull
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Jos said earlier this month that Horner had been 'playing the victim' when he was the one 'causing the problems'.
"There is tension here while he remains in position," he told the Daily Mail.
"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."
Christian Horner is currently preparing for this weekend's Grand Prix in Australia
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And Jos said over the weekend, while talking to Sporza, that he wants the focus to be on racing - instead of Horner.
"Hopefully they can concentrate on racing again soon because that’s what it’s all about," he stated.
“The important thing is that he [Max] keeps winning, whatever he does."
