Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, celebrates alongside Max Verstappen, who secured first place in the Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen has dismissed rumors of a rift with Horner amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct by the Red Bull boss. The parent company of Red Bull is conducting an internal inquiry following accusations of inappropriate and controlling behavior made by a female employee. Horner strongly denies these allegations and recently attended an internal hearing in London with an external barrister. Speculation about internal power struggles within the team has resurfaced, fueled by reports suggesting a rift between the Verstappen camp, including Max’s father Jos, and Horner. However, Verstappen has refuted these claims, stating that his relationship with Horner remains unchanged. Horner continues to fulfill his responsibilities as the head of Red Bull’s F1 team, recently attending the launch of their 2024 challenger. Verstappen emphasizes that the team’s morale remains high, driven by their past successes and the promising development of their new car. While the investigation has been a distraction for the team, Verstappen remains focused on his own performance and personal goals. He is determined to be in peak condition, actively collaborating with engineers, and maintaining a balanced life outside of Formula 1.
Perez agreed with his teammate’s sentiments, expressing that they simply want to engage in the sport they love. As a racing team, their objective is to stay united and maintain their successful track record. He praised Horner, a pivotal figure in the team since its inception, emphasizing the importance of their collective cohesion during this period.
While acknowledging the existence of external factors, Perez stressed the significance of team solidarity and effective collaboration. Their primary focus should always be racing, as they are a passionate race team. Perez highlighted Christian’s integral role within the organization, underscoring his value.
Given the uncertainty surrounding his future at Red Bull beyond this year, Perez recognizes the necessity of a strong start to the season in order to secure a contract extension. When asked if he was concerned about potential distractions, Perez restated the need for everyone to concentrate on their primary objective: winning championships and propelling the team forward. This should be the shared goal for all involved in the investigation.
According to the Source motorsportweek.com