An eight-person table was insufficient to accommodate the post-race press session outside Red Bull’s Formula 1 hospitality. This was particularly evident considering Red Bull’s impressive 1-2 finish in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. Furthermore, this press session held added significance as it marked the first time Red Bull team principal Christian Horner addressed the F1 media since being cleared of misconduct allegations in an external investigation. The situation was further complicated by the subsequent leak of alleged evidence from the investigation, which was sent via email to numerous F1 figures and media professionals.
Christian Horner typically conducts these press sessions after each race, but this particular session carried a unique atmosphere. Tension filled the air before Horner’s arrival and escalated as he took his seat to face the questions. As usual, dictaphones and mobile devices were set down, but a brief, uncomfortable silence followed. The first question was posed: “How would you summarize your weekend, Christian?”
Horner responded, “Well, our focus is on the track, and I believe that our team’s performance this season has been nothing short of incredible. Max displayed dominance, and Checo drove a remarkable race, advancing from fifth place to achieve a 1-2 finish in the first grand prix of the year, earning maximum points. It’s a perfect start for us as we celebrate our 20th season. The team in Milton Keynes has done an exceptional job designing and producing a fantastic car to begin the season with.”
Subsequently, the floodgates opened, and inquiries regarding the misconduct investigation and its aftermath continued to pour in. Horner faced these questions with confidence and defiance. Addressing the unwanted attention, he remarked, “Well, obviously, it hasn’t been pleasant.” When questioned about his entrance to the paddock with his wife, Geri Horner, he replied, “My focus is on racing. People can write whatever they choose, but my attention is firmly on the next race in Saudi Arabia, which takes place in seven days’ time.”
The mood shifted from tense to fraught when Horner was asked why he couldn’t comment on the file drop that had been sent to senior F1 figures and journalists in the paddock. Interrupting the question, he firmly stated, “I’m not going to comment. I won’t entertain anonymous speculative messages from an unknown source. They’re from an unknown source, and I refuse to comment. Next question.”
Andrew Benson from the BBC persisted with the question, asking, “Are they genuine?” However, a Red Bull PR representative abruptly cut off Benson. Throughout the remainder of the press session, which lasted less than nine minutes, Horner’s tone remained consistent, even when questioned about his confidence in remaining at Red Bull for the entire season. He responded, “Absolutely.”
He elaborated, “There was a thorough internal process conducted by an independent KC [King’s Counsel]. The raised grievance was dismissed. That’s the end of it. Let’s move on. I have always been confident that I would be here, and my focus remains on the upcoming season and the races ahead. I am grateful for the incredible support from my family, my wife, my team, and everyone within the team.”
After a series of questions related to the events of the past week, concluding with one about the Bahrain GP, Horner stated, “It’s wonderful to be answering a racing question. That’s why we’re here… to go racing. I apologize if today’s race wasn’t more entertaining, but it’s a testament to the team’s hard work and the exceptional car they have produced.”
Following the brief press session, in which less than half of the questions pertained to the misconduct case and its aftermath, Horner pushed his chair back under the table and departed. While many details surrounding the investigation remain unclear, Horner’s unwavering confidence in his position and the immediate individuals surrounding him is evident.