Red Bull Racing turns into Formula 1's version of House of Cards

Until Kevin Spacey was abruptly sidelined for inappropriate behaviour - for which he was later cleared - the Netflix series House of Cards about an American president and his wife was full of intrigue, back-stabbing and public displays of affection. The last few weeks at Red Bull Racing bear striking similarities to the US series. This time, it's not the White House but Formula 1 as the backdrop.

Since an internal investigation was launched by Red Bull for alleged inappropriate behaviour against Christian Horner, things have been unsettled at the most successful F1 team in the current era. Horner has been cleared by the energy drink company's management of the allegations made by a female employee. With that, the proverbial storm has certainly not subsided.

Modern drama in Formula 1

Meanwhile, a toxic drama unfolds, with the - sometimes absurd - developments happening rapidly. Only a very talented screenwriter could have imagined that barely a day after Horner's acquittal, a link to a Google Drive appeared in the email inbox of key F1 personnel and the media, allegedly showing WhatsApp messages between Horner and the woman.

Are the messages genuine? That cannot be determined with certainty. The leak caused so much commotion that Horner once again knew the spotlight was on him. Wherever the Brit appeared in the F1 paddock, journalists followed him, all looking for that one high-profile soundbite. Meanwhile, Horner's wife Geri had also arrived. They were seen hand-in-hand and intimately kissing, and the couple had multiple photos taken in Bahrain. President Frank Underwood and his wife Carrie did precisely that in House of Cards, while their marriage was in dire straits because of an affair by the former.

Jos Verstappen makes his appearance in the story

While the F1 teams are on their way to Saudi Arabia for the second Grand Prix of the season, statements by Jos Verstappen, wiping the floor with Horner, appeared in two newspapers. "There is tension here while he remains in position," the Dutchman is quoted by Mail Sport. "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."

These are not statements by an analyst or anyone else; these are words from the mouth of Max Verstappen's father, the man at the forefront of Red Bull's current success. In the paddock, it had been known for some time that the relationship between Jos Verstappen and Horner was not the best. On Sunday, the whole world found out. Don't forget that Verstappens' influence on Red Bull is huge.

Jos Verstappen's influence is very strong within Red Bull

Jos Verstappen wears his heart on his sleeve and can sometimes be rather blunt, but he is otherwise a very honest guy. Everything Verstappen senior says or does, he says or does in the interest of his son Max. So when Jos Verstappen openly expresses himself like this, he is listened to, both externally and internally. If, at any point, the Austrians are forced to choose between Horner and the Verstappens, no one can doubt that they will go for the goose that lays the golden eggs (Max).

As in every series like House of Cards, there is also a villain in the story. Someone who tries to shake everything up further. That is also the case in the F1 version of House of Cards. Toto Wolff is already handing out teases; he says he hopes the FIA and Formula 1 will intervene and that the ensuing turmoil around Horner and Red Bull is detrimental to the sport. He has also already been seen in the company of Jos Verstappen. Whether Max might go to Mercedes? "Anything is possible," laughed the Austrian.

Red Bull and Red Bull Racing face a tough task

Red Bull and Red Bull Racing must hold crucial talks and make decisions in the run-up to the race in Jeddah to quell all the simmering unrest once and for all. Failing that, the matter will surely be followed up in Saudi Arabia in front of everyone.

For those curious about how House of Cards ended: President Frank Underwood eventually had to step down.