Speaking on Friday after securing the top spot in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen praised Horner’s role as the team’s leader. The Dutch three-time F1 champion commended Horner’s exceptional performance within the team, leaving no room for doubt.
Horner was recently cleared of allegations following a thorough investigation conducted by an independent lawyer representing Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the championship-winning F1 team. Both Horner and Red Bull have consistently denied the accusations, and the details of the investigation will remain confidential.
However, renewed speculation about Horner’s future arose after an anonymous email containing a Google drive link to purported evidence was circulated on Thursday. This triggered discussions in the media and on social networks. The FIA, the governing body of F1, considers it an internal matter but is closely monitoring the situation. During the Bahrain Grand Prix, Horner had meetings with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in the paddock.
The email was sent to approximately 150 recipients, including Horner, commercial rights holders Liberty Media, other team bosses, and members of the media. Horner has been the team boss for the longest period in the sport’s history, joining Formula 1 with Red Bull in 2005. Under his leadership, the Milton Keynes-based team secured their sixth constructors’ title last year, with an unprecedented 21 wins out of 22 races.
Verstappen, who is expected to win his fourth consecutive F1 championship, spoke highly of Horner’s commitment to the team. Despite potential distractions, Verstappen emphasized that they all focus on performance and work together as a unit. During the Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen achieved his 33rd F1 pole position, equaling the records set by Jim Clark and Alain Prost. (Report by Abhishek Takle)