Pre-season is just around the corner and Formula 1 is the buzz everywhere. The news cycle kicked off with the surprise confirmation that Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari for 2025. With the futures of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz in flux, teams began plotting their own versions of the grid for next year, triggering a ripple of strategic moves across the sport. Now attention shifts to Red Bull and its chief, Christian Horner, who has faced an internal inquiry about alleged inappropriate behavior that could carry serious consequences.
On Friday, February 9, the England team manager is due to give explanations to Red Bull’s leadership. British outlets warn that the probability of dismissal remains high, potentially paving the way for broader changes at Milton Keynes. Industry voices note that contractual clauses between Horner and Adrian Newey might allow one departure to trigger the other, depending on how the situation unfolds.
After a season where Max Verstappen claimed the drivers’ title, Sergio Pérez finished second, and Red Bull secured the Constructors’ Championship, the team appeared poised to extend its dominance. Yet the ongoing power dynamics inside the organization, led by Horner and Helmut Marko, threaten what had looked like a flawless run in recent years. The current inquiry adds a new layer of uncertainty to the team’s plans as it prepares for a rapid timeline toward the launch of the next car on February 15.
Red Bull confirmed that Horner was the subject of an internal investigation following a complaint from another employee regarding alleged misconduct. The team has kept details limited, noting that the matter is being treated seriously and will be resolved promptly. With leadership likely to meet the executives in the near term, the goal is to address the issue before the new car debuts on schedule.
Several media outlets in English-speaking markets suggest the incident could be serious enough to prompt Horner to step aside, while some sensational reports speculate about reaction from Horner’s partner, a public figure in pop culture known for her work with one of the famous former members of music groups. The rumor mill has added a layer of intrigue to the already complicated leadership narrative at Red Bull Racing.
There has long been talk about the mutual protection clauses between Horner and Adrian Newey. If one leaves, the other might follow. While nothing has been confirmed, the prospect of a combined leadership change would reshape the team’s internal dynamics and championship strategy. Analysts and insiders continue to weigh the potential impact on Red Bull’s long-term stability and performance.
Horner remains the most senior figure in Red Bull’s Formula 1 era, a position he has held since 2005 when the team began its ascent toward global success. Over two decades, the organization has built a track record of seven driver titles and six team championships, cementing Horner’s place in the sport’s history. The founder of Red Bull, a key benefactor of the team’s career, passed away more than a year ago, and the current leadership has faced questions about its ability to steer through turbulence from critics and fans alike. The team’s stance in 2023, including responses to controversial remarks attributed to a senior advisor, demonstrated a willingness to address sensitive issues rather than retreat from scrutiny. As the rumor mill continues to churn, insiders suggest the possibility of deeper shifts behind the scenes, with all eyes on how Horner and his colleagues navigate the challenges ahead and keep Red Bull’s championship aspirations alive.