At the start of the 2024 season, Oracle Red Bull Racing—led by three-time and defending world champion Max Verstappen—is engulfed in a controversial debate, despite their undeniable dominance in Formula One. The centre of attention in this upheaval is Christian Horner, the team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing since 2005. Horner has been one of the catalysts behind the team's success. There have been recurrent claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a female employee, and the 50-year-old British motorsports executive is now the subject of a serious investigation.
Horner is now the centre of attention, both inside and outside of the Formula One world, due to this controversy. Here we can see how the accusations against Horner have developed, how they have affected Red Bull Racing, and how the timetable is changing to reflect all of this. All of this is happening while Verstappen tries to win a record-breaking fourth championship in a row.
Christian Horner: The Timeline
February 5: A female Red Bull employee allegedly made severe claims against Christian Horner, the team principal, according to a report that came out on February 5. The formal grievance was lodged with Red Bull GmbH and includes allegations of "inappropriate, controlling behaviour." The charges have been taken seriously by Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, who has initiated an investigation. Horner, who has been in his position since 2005, vigorously denies the claims and continues to carry out his responsibilities despite the pending inquiry.
February 15: On February 15, Horner appeared in public for the first time since the allegations surfaced by attending the launch of Red Bull's 2024 season vehicle. Repeating his denial of the female colleague's accusations, he called the claims of inappropriate behaviour a "distraction" for the team.
18 February: On February 18, Formula One made its first public statement on the topic, requesting an immediate announcement about Horner's future.
20 February: Even though the inquiry was still underway, Horner nevertheless goes to Bahrain for three days of testing before the new season begins.
21 February: When testing began on February 21, Horner settled into his spot on the Red Bull pit wall. The whole Formula One community was affected by the dispute, according to Toto Wolff, leader of rival Mercedes, who demanded openness about the probe.
22 February: While other F1 team principals, including Horner, had a press conference on February 22, they all wanted the inquiry to end quickly, but Horner refrained from making any comments about it.
23 February: Red Bull's triple world champion Max Verstappen, speaking after the test, expressed the desire for the probe to conclude.
28 February: After an independent examination into the claims against Horner concluded on February 28, Red Bull GmbH dismissed the grievance and made the announcement. Horner kept his role as the team principal.
29 February: On February 29, in an interview with Sky Sports, Horner said that Red Bull has "never been stronger." This is his first interview since he was cleared. At the same time, the F1 paddock and the media were inundated with anonymous messages and photos involving Horner and the complainant.
1 March: In the face of further accusations on March 1, Horner refused to comment on what he called "anonymous speculation." At the Bahrain circuit, he talked with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohamed ben Sulayem to discuss the 2024 season.
2 March: On March 2, Geri Halliwell, who is married to Horner, arrived in Bahrain. Max Verstappen won the season opener, and the happy couple celebrated by taking a photo together in the paddock. With full assurance, Horner said he will be staying on as Red Bull team principal for the upcoming seasons.
3 March: On March 3, Max Verstappen's dad Jos issued a warning that Red Bull could fall apart under Horner's leadership. In a statement, Red Bull highlighted the need for solidarity.
4 March: In an effort to calm things down, Max Verstappen's agent Raymond Vermeulen met Horner on March 4.
6 March: In a statement made on March 6, Max Verstappen defended his father Jos. Internal strife at Red Bull intensified.
7 March: The female employee at the centre of the allegations against Horner was fired by Red Bull on March 7. Max Verstappen, meanwhile, wins the Saudi Arabian Gran Prix on March 9.
What were the Accusations?
An inquiry into Christian Horner, the team's principal and CEO, was officially revealed on February 5 by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing. A female coworker made the allegation of "inappropriate behaviour" that led to the investigation. Red Bull GmbH promised to move quickly to investigate the allegations, highlighting its deep dedication to taking them seriously. Horner vehemently denied the claims and continued in his roles as team principal and chief executive officer of the Milton Keynes-based club. The person who made the accusation, the complainant, kept on doing her job even while the investigation was underway.
Red Bull's Reaction?
An eight-hour questioning by a legal counsel took place, however, the problem was not immediately resolved. Horner remained steadfast in his rejection of the accusations when he reappeared at Red Bull's vehicle launch on February 15, despite the increased scrutiny.
After the event, Horner went on to the three-day test in Bahrain before heading back to England. The Austrian board of Red Bull met at the same time to discuss the future of the team principal in light of the raging issue.
Write your Comment