Christian Horner is currently facing an investigation regarding allegations of inappropriate conduct prior to the 2024 F1 season.
Reports suggest that Horner has offered a settlement of £650,000 to a female employee of Red Bull following claims of sexual misconduct. The Formula 1 team principal denies these allegations, as an ongoing investigation into complaints of ‘inappropriate behavior’ continues before the start of pre-season testing in Bahrain on February 21.
De Telegraaf, the first to report on the matter involving the Red Bull team boss, states that Horner was accused of sexual misconduct in December 2023. The Dutch media outlet claims to have seen sexually suggestive messages from Horner to the employee, which were sent over a significant period of time. Despite the internal investigation being revealed by De Telegraaf, Horner has consistently denied all accusations.
Motorsport-Total.com suggests that Jos Verstappen leaked the information to the Dutch press, while Helmut Marko has yet to publicly support his colleague when asked for comment. Even Horner’s relationship with Adrian Newey is reportedly strained.
According to reports, Red Bull co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, who holds a 51 percent stake in the company, supports Horner amidst potential disagreements within the racing team involving Horner, Helmut Marko, and other key figures, including Red Bull GmbH director Oliver Mintzlaff.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Horner attended Red Bull’s car launch in Milton Keynes along with the rest of the team, including Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Horner, who has been in charge since the formation of the F1 team in 2005, claims to have received substantial support since the allegations emerged in February.
Horner addressed the press, including Total-Motorsport.com, stating, “There has inevitably been a distraction, but the team remains united and focused on the upcoming season. So it has been business as usual, and the support has been tremendous.”
He emphasized his focus on the season ahead and his cooperation with the ongoing investigation while preparing for the upcoming races. Horner expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the season and their unity in their focus on the car. He also acknowledged the unwavering support from the shareholders since the passing of Dietrich, stating that it is business as usual and his primary focus is on the racing ahead.
If Horner were to leave his position, voluntarily or not, reports suggest that Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s sporting director and F1 rules expert, is the likely candidate to replace him. Wheatley joined the team in 2006 after previously working for Benetton and Renault.
According to the Source total-motorsport.com