(L to R): Zak Brown, Executive Director of McLaren, and Toto Wolff, Shareholder and Executive Director of Mercedes AMG F1, are pictured together. The photo was taken on 08.03.2024 during the Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 2, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Qualifying Day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
David Coulthard believes that certain rival teams in Formula 1 are trying to provoke a reaction by calling for a more transparent resolution to Red Bull’s investigation into Christian Horner. Red Bull GmbH launched an inquiry into their Team Principal following allegations of inappropriate and coercive behavior made by a female employee. However, Horner was cleared of these accusations after a review of the findings by an external barrister, although the details were not disclosed. Despite this, the issue continues to make headlines, with Toto Wolff, the boss of Mercedes, and Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, urging the sport to provide more information.
Coulthard, who previously drove for Red Bull and now serves as an ambassador, believes that there may be hidden motives behind these demands and argues that the matter should be kept private. When asked about the calls for transparency regarding Horner’s clearance, Coulthard stated in an interview with Channel 4, “There are those who want to create controversy. Some may claim they are advocating for the fans by demanding transparency, but this is a private matter. Everyone has a right to privacy. If there were grounds for concern, we would have been made aware. The investigation was conducted by an independent group. However, there will always be those who want to delve further.”
Coulthard has highlighted the lack of transparency in the way the FIA handled Ferrari’s controversial 2019 power unit, suggesting that such matters are dealt with privately. He pointed out that in the past, when Formula 1 was less popular, there were instances where transparency was lacking. Coulthard mentioned that Ferrari reached an agreement with the FIA regarding their fuel flow and engine, but the details of that agreement remain unknown. Interestingly, this agreement seemed to coincide with Ferrari’s decline in performance.
Coulthard has supported Horner’s belief that Red Bull’s focus is on maintaining their on-track dominance, as evidenced by their two wins in 2024. He acknowledged that the sport has become bigger, which brings with it more money, politics, and controversy. However, he sees the race team operating as usual, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez unaffected by the external scrutiny. When they put their visor down and get in the car, their only focus is on driving quickly.
The complainant in the case has been suspended, but she has exercised her right to appeal to Red Bull. Throughout the investigation, Horner has remained in his role, although Max Verstappen’s father believes that his position has become untenable. During an FIA press conference in Saudi Arabia, Horner passionately defended himself and his loved ones, condemning the intrusion into their lives. Coulthard added that while the situation is unfortunate and distasteful, it has been resolved in a satisfactory manner.