Christian Horner’s future in Formula One hangs in the balance as the Red Bull team principal prepares for a crucial meeting on Friday where he must defend himself against allegations of misconduct that could end his career.
On Friday, at what is believed to be an undisclosed location in central London, Horner will sit down with a British KC appointed by Red Bull Racing’s parent company, drinks manufacturer Red Bull Ltd, to discuss the allegations against Horner by a female employee. Make inquiries. In his interactions with her, he used what he calls “controlling” behaviors.
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The employee is believed to have presented evidence, including physical documents, to lawyers and Horner must now make his case to save his job and career. He has retained legal representation and plans to defend himself.
Horner has categorically denied any wrongdoing but must now provide substantive arguments to substantiate his claims. This will be an intense and crucial moment for him in his 20 years in F1.
The 50-year-old is currently the longest-serving team principal in the sport, having been replaced by Red Bull when the team joined the sport in 2005. He is also one of the two most successful team principals, along with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff. principles of the modern era. Whether there are further achievements to come and the nature of his legacy will now depend on what he can offer to barristers leading the inquest on Friday.
Ever since news of Horner’s investigation broke, it has dominated F1, far overshadowing this week’s series of car launches for the 2024 season. Horner was as surprised as anyone else in the paddock when Red Bull Racing’s parent company announced an investigation into the team principal on Monday and made clear its intention to deal with the matter appropriately.
“After learning of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation,” the company said in a statement. “This process is already underway and will be conducted by external specialist counsel. The company takes this matter very seriously and will The investigation will be completed as soon as possible. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
The female employee’s name has not been released, nor have any details of her complaint been made public, other than that the behavior was “controlling” in nature, suggesting Horner may have had personal interactions with the employee. Red Bull Racing has not made any formal comments since the statement was made, and Horner has not commented beyond that, saying “I completely deny these claims” on Monday.
Red Bull plans to launch their 2024 car next Thursday, and within the team it is hoped the matter will be resolved before then. It is understood that no decision will be announced immediately after the meeting, but KC will consider the investigation evidence over the weekend before communicating its conclusions to Red Bull.
Rumors and speculation surrounding the case have persisted since it began and have been fueled by a lack of comment and information from Red Bull Racing or the parent company while the investigation is ongoing.
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However, Horner’s supporters say they are shocked and disturbed by what they see as a power struggle among the team behind the investigation. They believe it was an attack from Austria by the parent company, which one source described as an effort to “clip his wings or remove him from the job entirely”.
Horner’s allies argue that inappropriate behavior defined as “control” is not aggressive or bullying in nature, and the perception of his behavior will be key to proving his case.
The 50-year-old occupies an unusual position in F1 as he is not only team principal of Red Bull Racing, but also CEO of its three divisions, Red Bull Racing, Red Bull Powertrain and Red Bull Advanced Technologies. He controls the business side as well as sports operations.
Before the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz in October 2022, the Red Bull boss was happy to let Horner be in charge of the entire event. This is believed to have changed with the appointment of Oliver Mintzlaff as managing director. Mintzlaff is reportedly considered a potential replacement for Horner.
Supporters believe the parent company’s motivation in handling the situation was to try to destabilize Horner so that he could be ousted. Red Bull Ltd has yet to comment on the explanation.
Horner enjoyed a phenomenally successful reign at Red Bull Racing, winning six Constructors’ World Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships. They have dominated the past two seasons with excellent cars and drivers such as Max Verstappen, but a sudden change in management or team principal would put the team at risk for the season starting in Bahrain on March 2. Trouble in the new season.
