Three-time world champion Max Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, warned Red Bull that the franchise will "fall apart" if their racing principal Christian Horner doesn't step down as soon as possible.
The Dutchman's surprising statement emerged as Horner attempted to convey that all is well, posing for somewhat awkward photos with his wife, former Spice Girl Geri, and Chalerm Yoovidhya, Red Bull's primary owner.
"There is tension here while he remains in position," Verstappen Snr told the Daily Mail. "The team is in danger of being torn apart," he continued. "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," he added.
Certainly, Jos Verstappen has a history after all, Glen Crompton and Rob Margeit coined the term "Verstappen-slappen" in their renowned Alternate F1 Championship, highlighting the Dutch veteran's well-documented temper and tendency to lash out.
His outburst followed the "leak" of unverified documents to various individuals within the paddock, including the heads of both the FIA and F1. These documents purported to be messages between Horner and the staff member who had made allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
The leak occurred just 24 hours after Red Bull had concluded its investigation, determining that the grievance had been dismissed.
The "leak" and its targeted dissemination to specific individuals within the F1 community, added a fresh twist to the saga, suggesting a clear agenda on someone's part.
Indeed, Horner's posing with the majority owner of Red Bull appeared to signify a clear divide over the matter between the Thai and Austrian factions of the company.
Asked if he was the source of the "leak", Verstappen said: "That wouldn't make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?"
"Obviously it's not been pleasant," said Horner in the aftermath of the race, which saw Max Verstappen get his 2024 off to a perfect start. "The unwanted attention, but the focus is now very much on the cars.
"My focus has very much been on what's going on track and the result today I think demonstrates where the whole team's focus is and we move onwards.
"I'm not going to comment on what motives, whatever person may have for doing this," he said of the "leak".
"My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and going racing. I have the support of an incredible family, of an incredible wife, of an incredible team and everybody within that team and my focus is on going racing and winning races and doing the best that I can."