Just as Red Bull is poised to secure another two championships this year (or seven in four years), and appears to be on track to dominate Formula 1 for the foreseeable future, a major controversy has erupted within the Austrian team. This has affected key figures such as Horner, Helmut Marko, Jos Verstappen, and other prominent individuals within the organization.
Chalerm Yoovidhya, the majority shareholder of Red Bull, made a special trip to the Saudi Grand Prix to witness the turmoil unfolding within the team they own.
At this stage, the sequence of events that has been labeled by the British media as the “Horner sex texts scandal” unfolded. Initially, Horner denied any wrongdoing on the day that Red Bull RB20 was launched at a rain-soaked Silverstone, and he continued to lead the team during preseason F1 testing in Bahrain.
Just when it seemed that Horner had been cleared of any accusations, a WhatsApp conversation brought the saga back to life. Jos Verstappen added fuel to the fire by reporting dissent within Red Bull under Horner’s leadership and demanding the dismissal of the long-serving Team Principal, whom he portrayed as the victim.
Armed with incriminating evidence, Jos was kept away from Jeddah, seemingly to gather support. Meanwhile, Horner, also known as Spice Boy, and Geri Halliwell Horner, known as Spice Girl, publicly displayed their “love and unity” by embracing and smiling whenever cameras were present. The presence of photographers in Jeddah was constant, as the UK media eagerly capitalizes on this feud.
Furthermore, Dr. Helmut Marko, a trusted figure during the Dietrich Mateschitz era and the late billionaire’s advisor on F1 matters, also found himself in the spotlight as Red Bull’s parent company announced an investigation into his conduct. Seriously?
Yes, indeed! However, the investigation was brief, as Marko announced a day or so later that he was not going anywhere. He declared that the internal issues at Red Bull had been resolved and hinted at a future encounter in Australia. In a cheeky remark, he also stated that he and Max were “not heading to Mercedes at the moment.”
Shortly after publicly criticizing Horner in Bahrain, Jos Verstappen was seen engaged in a lengthy conversation with Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes. This only fueled the rumors, which were further stoked by Wolff’s statement that he would go to great lengths to secure the 26-year-old Dutch driver for the Silver Arrows.
As previously mentioned, The Horners did not disappoint the sensationalist publications as they proudly displayed their ‘affection’ for everyone to witness and, one can assume, angered a significant number of individuals. This includes the female team member who stirred up controversy and exposed the hidden troubles within the Red Bull organization.
To take this entire situation to another level of absurdity or any other term one may choose to use, according to F1 Insider – who have aggressively pursued this story in a manner that has not benefitted Horner – the band U2 is planning to release a song titled: “Don’t be lustful, be virtuous.”
Seriously? Yes! This is because the aforementioned RBR female is apparently ‘connected’ to The Edge through a brother-in-law, and the U2 guitarist is allegedly prepared to compose a song about the incident. Seriously! Yes! I find it difficult to believe as I write this, but it is indeed circulating!
The report further states that the Thai billionaire owners have somehow become aware of this situation and are becoming less enthusiastic about their unwavering support for Horner, which they have demonstrated throughout this ongoing saga.
Consequently, reports suggesting that Horner will not be in charge during the upcoming race in Australia, where F1 will proceed to Round 3 of the World Championship, are increasing in number. It is difficult to ignore the possibility that the man who has led Red Bull since its inaugural race in 2005 may not occupy that position when F1 establishes its presence in Melbourne.
The team principal is aware that his accuser is appealing Red Bull’s decision, indicating her willingness to engage in a battle and present her side of the story.
Perhaps influenced by the lack of propriety displayed by ‘The Spices’ as they paraded themselves in the Jeddah paddock. Regardless of perspective, it was cringe-worthy and a deliberate provocation towards his accuser. It provoked a strong reaction from me, despite not being directly involved!
This narrative is far from reaching a conclusion and continues to be a persistent problem for Red Bull, the team that Horner has guided to its current state and its past achievements. It is possible that a new individual may assume the leadership position the next time we report on this regrettable sideshow that has captivated the F1 community.
The situation is precarious, as the headline “Horner fired” could appear at any moment, whether it be today or tomorrow. This uncertainty is supported by multiple commentators who suggest that if he is indeed dismissed or suspended, it will most likely occur prior to F1’s arrival in Melbourne.
Regardless of the outcome, the fact that Red Bull’s formidable F1 operation has reached this point is bewildering and highlights how individuals in positions of power can behave foolishly and arrogantly, even within seemingly robust organizations. What lies ahead?