Red Bull may have a fresh team leader at the forefront before the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
According to reports, Christian Horner, the 50-year-old principal of the F1 team, is being investigated internally by his Milton Keynes-based team due to allegations of controlling behavior. Horner denies these claims.
On Friday, February 8, Horner will face questioning from a specialized barrister.
The Sun suggests that the issue revolves around concerns raised by a female colleague about Horner’s strict work regime, with no allegations of sexual misconduct involved.
A source revealed that Horner expressed reservations about the colleague’s behavior, which led to her lodging a complaint about his “controlling” demeanor, sparking this crisis within the team.
Another insider has suggested that this may be a deliberate attempt to undermine Horner’s authority within the organization.
There have been ongoing reports of a power struggle between the UK-based team and the parent company in Salzburg, Austria.
The passing of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz in October 2022 has further exacerbated this perceived divide, resulting in the installation of a new board of directors.
Former RB Leipzig chairman Oliver Mintzlaff has been entrusted with the control of the F1 division and reportedly aims to remove Horner from his position. There are also rumors of a strained relationship between motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and the British principal.
Despite this, Red Bull’s Thai backers, led by Chalerm Yoovidhya, son of co-founder Chaleo, are said to be supportive of Horner.
As the 2024 season approaches, the situation continues to develop.
Horner remains active in his role without suspension as preparations for pre-season testing in Bahrain progress.
He has been in his position since 2005 and has contributed to Red Bull’s success in winning six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles.
Red Bull has been approached for comment.
According to the Source formula1news.co.uk