Pre-season hasn’t started yet and Formula 1 is on everyone’s lips. First there was the ‘bombshell’ of Lewis Hamilton signing for Ferrari for 2025. Then, with the futures of Alonso and Sainz up in the air, a domino effect set in with endless combinations when it came to creating next year’s grid. Now it is the turn of the champion Red Bull team and its boss Christian Horner, who has been the subject of an internal investigation for some time. “inappropriate behavior” that could lead to unforeseen consequences.
on Friday, February 9 The England team manager will have to make explanations to the manager. Red BullBut the media in his country warn that the chances of him being fired are extremely high. This could also mean the departure of Milton Keynes ‘mastermind’ Adrian Newey. Expert journalist Joe Saward assures us that there is a clause in Horner and Newey’s contracts stating that the departure of either of them could release the other from his commitment.
After winning the drivers’ world championship (Max Verstappen), second place (Sergio Pérez) and constructors’ championship in 2023, Red Bull appeared to have entered a new era of power in Formula 1 on the track. It looks like his power struggle with Helmut Marko may result in the destruction of a 100% winning project.
On Monday, Red Bull confirmed an early report from The Telegraph that Horner had been attacked. The subject of an internal investigation due to a complaint by another employee of the team, although the reason is not stated.. British media leaked an alleged harassment situation against an employee to whom Horner sent intimate photos and Red Bull asked him to leave his position.
In the note published by Red Bull yesterday, it was stated that “The company takes these matters very seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time,” as an outcome that would imply Horner’s departure was predicted. . In any case, this Friday, the team manager is scheduled to appear before the executives of the energy drink brand to clarify the issue. Red Bull’s intention is to resolve the issue before the launch of the new car on February 15.
According to some Anglo-Saxon media, the incident, for which there is conclusive evidence, could be serious enough for Red Bull to ask Horner to step down, while sensational British media are already speculating about the former Spice Girl’s great displeasure. Geri HalliwellCurrent partner of Christian Horner.
Horner is the oldest team boss in Formula 1 and, in fact, the only boss Red Bull has ever had. He joined the team in 2005, the energy drink brand’s first season in the World Championship, and two decades later seven drivers and six teams have won the world championship.
Dietrich Mateschitz, the founder of Red Bull and the main supporter of the Formula 1 adventure, died more than a year ago. The brand’s new managers have already shown their opposition in 2023 to the controversial racist comments made by Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor in charge of the young driver pool and Mateschitz’s former right-hand man, regarding Mexican Checo Pérez. He eventually stood his ground and, persistent rumors suggest, may now be seeking private revenge against Horner.