In line with the Formula 1 organisation, the FIA has now openly acknowledged the ongoing investigation into claims of inappropriate behaviour by Christian Horner, the principal of the Red Bull team. This statement comes two weeks after the first news stories about an internal review came out. Initial reports said that Horner was being investigated by Red Bull GMbH, the Austrian parent company, because of vague claims of misbehaviour from a female employee. Horner has strongly denied doing anything wrong.
The review was mostly about a recent interview on February 9 by a separate lawyer working for Red Bull. Horner went public at the launch of the new RB20 in Milton Keynes on February 15, even though the investigation is still going on. The day after the launch, there was more talk in the media about what the accusations were, which brought the case back to people's attention and led the two main groups involved in the sport to respond.
What did FIA say?
The FIA statement read: "In relation to the independent investigation currently being undertaken by Red Bull GMbH, the FIA reiterates that until such time as the investigation has concluded and the outcome is known, we will not be commenting further. The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusivity within the sport."
F1: Christian Horner to Leave Red Bull?
Christian Horner has more experience than anyone else managing Formula One teams. After Red Bull Racing bought the Jaguar squad in 2005, the British man took charge. Under his direction, Red Bull Racing achieved an unprecedented level of success in 2023. For the third year running, Max Verstappen has won the championship, and his team has won 21 of 22 races. As we approach the 2024 season, testing is about to start in Bahrain later this month, and the anticipation is palpable.
Neither the energy drink manufacturer nor the British squad have gone into depth about the claims. Nonetheless, there have been hints in the media about claims of domineering and inappropriate behaviour towards a female coworker.
Horner reaffirmed his collaboration and voiced trust in the ongoing process at last Friday's presentation of his team's RB20 car in Milton Keynes. "I deny absolutely any allegation that's been made against me," he stated, firmly rejecting all claims levelled against him.
Horner is still in charge of the Formula One team, but he may step down if the claims turn out to be true and things escalate further. Horner has guided Red Bull to seven driver's crowns and six constructors' championships, making them firm favourites to maintain their supremacy this season. Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey is a legendary figure in Formula One engineering, and if he were to theoretically depart the business with Horner, Red Bull's dominance may cease, sending shockwaves across the sport. The team's dynamic would be completely changed by this.
Speculation around potential successors has begun. Allegedly, Dr. Helmut Marko, head of Motorsport, is not interested in accepting the role at Milton Keynes. Team manager Jonathan Wheatley has the option to step in and lead the squad during this time. Although the 56-year-old Britishman started his Formula One career in the 1990s as a mechanic for Benetton, he became the team manager at Red Bull Racing in 2006 after joining the team.
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