Normally the Formula 1 winter break is a rather quiet time. But in the last few weeks one big news story has followed the next. It started with the surprising Haas separation from team boss Günther Steiner. Then came the unexpectedly hard slap in the face from Formula 1 towards Andretti. Not many experts probably saw Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari coming. And now the next big drama is looming.
The parent company Red Bull confirmed on Monday (February 5) that it had initiated an internal investigation against the F1 racing team’s team boss, Christian Horner. There is supposedly an accusation that the 50-year-old Briton did not behave appropriately. The Bild newspaper reports that it is supposed to be about photos that Horner sent to an employee. According to the Dutch newspaper “De Telegraaf”, the team boss completely denies all allegations. It is the presumption of innocence.
Red Bull
Christian Horner is married to ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. The couple has a son.
Horner has to defend himself
But Horner doesn’t seem to get rid of the story that easily. “An independent investigation has been initiated into the current allegations. The Company is taking the matter extremely seriously. The investigation is being conducted by an external, independent investigative attorney and will be completed as quickly as possible. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time,” Red Bull officially announced.
According to information from auto motor und sport, a survey of those involved will take place in England on Friday. If the external investigators come to the conclusion that the compliance allegations make continued employment impossible, Red Bull will have to look for a new team boss at short notice. With Mattia Binotto, Otmar Szafnauer and Günther Steiner, several prominent candidates with a team boss past are currently available on the market.
Red Bull
Team manager Jonathan Wheatley would be a possible replacement should Horner stumble over the matter.
Time is of the essence for Red Bull
An internal solution would of course also be possible. Team manager Jonathan Wheatley would probably be the first candidate here. Red Bull should now get the cow off the ice quickly. The official presentation of the new RB20 racing car is planned for next Thursday (February 15). The launch event should not be overshadowed by the pending case against the team boss. A week later, the first test drives began in Bahrain.
Horner is still carrying on business as usual. On Monday, Max Verstappen’s boss attended the F1 Commission meeting in London. Horner has been in the executive chair in Milton Keynes since the racing team was founded in 2005. His team won seven drivers’ titles and six constructors’ cups during this time. Privately, the Englishman has been married to ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell (now Geri Horner) since 2015. The couple has a son together.