Red Bull unveiled its 2024 Formula 1 vehicle amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding team boss Christian Horner, who made his first public appearance since Red Bull’s parent company initiated an “independent inquiry” into allegations about his behavior at the team’s launch.
That investigation was the unspoken issue at Red Bull’s well-organized launch event at its Milton Keynes headquarters, held to commemorate the team’s 20th season in F1.
The attendees, including drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, along with team principal Horner, took the stage to discuss the team’s two decades of history, its success in 2023, and the preparations for the upcoming season with its RB20.
On the surface, everything seemed normal. However, Horner’s presence was a distraction and a major talking point.
The investigation began last week and is expected to be resolved before the start of the season in Bahrain. However, there is a possibility that it may continue during the season. Given its complexity and seriousness, rushing the investigation to align with the F1 schedule is not feasible.
While Horner continues in his role as team principal and CEO, he participated in the launch, highlighting Red Bull’s remarkable history and emphasizing a positive future.
During the launch, he engaged in media sessions and TV interviews, with the caveat that questions regarding the investigation were off-limits.
Although some questions indirectly addressed the situation Horner and Red Bull are facing, he acknowledged the ongoing investigation by stating, “There is an investigation that I’m fully cooperating with.”
He also admitted that the investigation has been a distraction but maintained that it has been business as usual for the most part.
Handling this sensitive matter has put the F1 team in a difficult position, as they must continue as if everything is normal. However, this is not a typical situation.
Edd Straw
The ongoing investigation into Christian Horner was the unspoken issue at the Red Bull launch. However, it did not relegate the team principal to a peripheral figure.
In fact, Horner was prominently featured throughout the event. He appeared in videos, his role in Red Bull Racing’s history was emphasized, and he was on stage for the majority of the presentation and car unveiling. The message conveyed was that this was business as usual, with Horner still in charge.
Media questions regarding the investigation were understandably prohibited. It is crucial to follow the process rigorously and reach the correct outcome. Although it is currently an internal process for Red Bull rather than a legal one, any premature statements could be prejudicial.
However, Horner did respond to questions about the potential impact on the team, dismissing any concerns. Apart from acknowledging that it had been a distraction for him personally, he maintained that there was no negative effect on the team. Verstappen even addressed the issue through his media handler, stating that his relationship with Horner remained unchanged.
While this may seem predictable, Red Bull could have chosen to be less forthcoming and more secretive. Instead, they made a genuine effort to launch a physical car and held an event attended by numerous media personnel in Milton Keynes. This level of thoroughness surpasses recent years. It does not reveal anything about the investigation or its potential outcome, but it does demonstrate how Horner intends to handle himself publicly until a resolution is reached.
The Red Bull RB20 is expected to be the leading car on the field, unless Red Bull has become overly confident and pursued a misguided development path.
Thus far, nothing should have diverted Red Bull’s attention from the RB20. Horner affirmed that the team is in good shape and that the focus is solely on the car.
However, any cracks that emerge within the team could complicate matters. The Horner saga presents a potential destabilizing factor on the eve of the season for Red Bull.
Horner has been at the helm of Red Bull Racing since its creation in 2005, following Red Bull’s acquisition of Jaguar. He is a mainstay in F1 and one of the most influential and recognizable figures in the paddock.
The seriousness with which Red Bull is treating the allegations and the speculation surrounding them have had a significant impact on F1. There are suggestions that Horner may not retain his position. Rumors of a power struggle within Red Bull’s head office have circulated since the death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz and the increased prominence of ex-Red Bull Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, whose responsibilities include the F1 program.
Claims of a rift with the Verstappen camp have also surfaced, although both Horner and Verstappen downplayed these rumors. Verstappen stated that his relationship with Horner remains unchanged.
Horner described Red Bull as a united team, including all shareholders.
The launch event aimed to convey that it is business as usual for Red Bull. However, whether this reality can be maintained remains to be seen.
We must wait for the investigation to conclude, which may not happen until after pre-season testing or even after the first race.
According to the Source the-race.com