Christian Horner subject to Red Bull investigation over ‘inappropriate behaviour’
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Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner is “unaware” of the outcome of the investigation into his conduct and is on his way to Bahrain for the season-opening race this weekend.
Horner strongly denies allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” made by a female colleague, with his future as the longest-serving team principal in the sport hanging in the balance.
Horner, 50, insisted at pre-season testing in Bahrain last Thursday that he wants the outcome to the probe “as soon as possible”, with the first race of the 2024 Formula 1 on Saturday. The external lawyer in charge of the probe has handed in his findings to the board of Red Bull GmbH – the team’s parent company – who are set to make a decision imminently.
Horner himself is on a plane to Bahrain ahead of practice in Bahrain on Thursday and “doesn’t know” the result of the investigation, according to Sky Sports. Horner will not be present in the paddock for media day on Wednesday.
Follow the latest news from F1 below.
CHRISTIAN HORNER – LATEST F1 NEWS
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NEW: Christian Horner is on his way to Bahrain
The Red Bull team principal is flying out to Bahrain today, ahead of the season-opening race this weekend.
Horner will not be present at the Sakhir circuit on Wednesday (media day) but is currently set to be in the paddock for practice on Thursday.
A decision on the investigation into his conduct is still expected today. Sky Sports are reporting Horner himself is not aware of the outcome of the probe yet.
(REUTERS)
Kieran Jackson28 February 2024 09:44
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What have F1 said about the Horner investigation?
18 February: Formula One speaks out on the protracted scandal, saying the organisation wishes for the investigation to be over as soon as possible.
“We have noted that Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing,” F1 says in a statement.
“We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity, after a fair and thorough process, and we will not comment further at this time.”
That was now 10 days ago.
Kieran Jackson28 February 2024 11:58
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When did the allegations about Horner first surface?
5 February: A report from Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf states a Red Bull employee has made serious allegations about team principal Christian Horner to the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH.
A separate report says the complaint came from a female colleague and concerns “inappropriate, controlling behaviour”. The allegations are treated seriously by Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff.
Horner, 50, who has been Red Bull team principal since 2005, remained in his role during the investigation and strongly denied the accusation.
Kieran Jackson28 February 2024 11:10
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Christian Horner allegations timeline: How Red Bull team principal became embroiled in scandal
Horner strongly denies allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” made by a female colleague, with his future as the longest-serving team principal in the sport hanging in the balance while an external lawyer analyses all the evidence.
Here is a timeline of how the allegations have played out.
Kieran Jackson28 February 2024 10:20
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Guenther Steiner secures new job in F1 after Haas exit
Steiner lost his job at Haas in January after eight seasons leading the American team in Formula 1, with team owner Gene Haas opting for a change with trackside engineering director Ayao Komatsu promoted to team boss.
Yet Steiner, known for his colourful language and entertaining appearances on Netflix’s Drive to Survive, has now found a new job with RTL, who broadcast F1 in Germany.
Steiner will be in the paddock for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend and will attend seven races with RTL.
Jack Rathborn28 February 2024 09:25
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Christian Horner – latest: Who is the favourite to win the title this season?
Red Bull’s preparations for the new season have been overshadowed by allegations facing team principal Christian Horner.
Horner, who is fighting to save his career following a claim of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague, insists it is business as usual at Red Bull though off-track it has been anything but for the team which has dominated the sport for the past two seasons.
On-track it has been precisely that.
Max Verstappen — in an upgrade of the machine which carried him to 19 victories from 22 rounds last year — set a blistering pace on the opening day of last week’s testing, finishing 1.1 seconds quicker than anybody else.
Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, summed up the ominous feeling in the paddock. Writing about Verstappen on ‘X’ he said: “He’s gloating. He’s taunting us. He knows. This year is going to be one long victory lap. You cannot begrudge anyone their success. All we can do is watch and admire.”
Mike Jones27 February 2024 21:00
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Christian Horner – latest: Max Verstappen reacts to Horner allegations as investigation into Red Bull chief continues
Horner insists he has the “overwhelming” support of Verstappen and Red Bull as a whole amidst allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” made against him by a female colleague. The Red Bull F1 boss repeatedly denied the accusations when questioned on Thursday.
While Horner and Verstappen refused to comment on the nature of the complaint, the team’s star driver insisted the morale of the team is “better than ever” heading into the new Formula 1 season despite the investigation.
Mike Jones27 February 2024 20:30
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Christian Horner – latest: Red Bull boss on allegations
Christian Horner says allegations are ‘distraction’ for Red Bull as he breaks silence
Mike Jones27 February 2024 20:06
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Christian Horner – latest: Max Verstappen focused on Bahrain Grand Prix
Max Verstappen: “I am looking forward to the weekend ahead in Bahrain. We had a good few testing days and learned a lot from the car.
“Of course, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves and we still need to make sure we do everything right to have a strong first weekend.”
Mike Jones27 February 2024 19:50
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Christian Horner – latest: “I am writing my story and it was time to start a new chapter” says Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton said he chose to turn his back on Mercedes and join rivals Ferrari to write “a new chapter” in his record-breaking career.
The seven-time world champion was speaking for the first time at length since his shock blockbuster move to the Italian giants in 2025 was confirmed earlier this month.
Hamilton’s soon-to-be Ferrari team led the way on the concluding day of this week’s test in Bahrain, with Charles Leclerc seeing off Mercedes’ George Russell by just 0.046 seconds.
Mike Jones27 February 2024 19:32
