When the sun had already set on Wednesday evening in the Sakhir desert and the official appointments in the paddock between palm trees had ended, the news that had been awaited for weeks arrived. A statement, kept sober, but at least there was a statement, initially sent by Red Bull GmbH. “The independent investigation into the allegations against Christian Horner has been completed. Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed.”
Christian Horner will remain head of the reigning world champion team for the time being. His future has been one of the big topics in recent weeks before the start of the new Formula 1 season in Bahrain this week. And there were some big themes this winter break. The Dutch daily newspaper reported at the beginning of February De Telegraaf was the first to report that an employee had accused Horner of inappropriate behavior. What exactly that means in this case has not yet become clear. Of course, this really fueled speculation in the Formula 1 gossip shop. Was it about offensive messages? About attacks? About abuse of power? The magnitude of the allegations was difficult to grasp. And she still is.
It is also not yet clear whether this will end the matter. “The complaining party has the right to appeal,” the statement continued. And who knows what will become public knowledge after all? Red Bull is convinced that the investigation was “fair, thorough and unbiased,” the company said. Because the report is confidential, Red Bull will not comment further “out of respect for everyone involved.” What is somewhat strange is that at the end there was talk that this statement would be sent out by the Red Bull Racing team at the same time. The team itself, it was rumored, didn’t want to get out until an hour later, at 7:30 p.m. local time – which wasn’t the case at all.
Whether someone perhaps clicked “send” too early and which research was crucial for the decision after weeks of waiting remains to be puzzled. It is important for Red Bull that things calm down again. There were previously fears that this affair could mean the end of an era.
The past few weeks will probably hang with Christian Horner for a while
Horner is the longest-serving boss ahead of Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, who has been with the Silver Arrows since 2013 – and one of the most successful. He has been in charge since Red Bull entered Formula 1 in 2005. He built up this racing team, he brought in design mastermind Adrian Newey, he led Sebastian Vettel (2010 to 2013) and Max Verstappen (2021 to 2023) to a total of seven championships, accompanied by six constructors’ titles. His influence on the success of the reigning world champions is undisputed. The possible effects of an impending separation seemed all the more severe. How much would the team miss him? What impact would it have if Horner were no longer leader here?
In the afternoon, when Red Bull’s preliminary decision had not yet been announced, the press conference with the drivers took place. Verstappen was also sitting on the sofa and of course he was asked about the matter. He first routinely and professionally avoided possible points of attack. The whole thing doesn’t affect him, said the 26-year-old defending champion. He focuses on the performance of his car and his own performance, the team sticks together and works for success. But then something could be read between the lines.
The question was: Are you 100 percent behind Christian and the way he leads the team? The answer: “Well, I trust the process, what’s happening right now. When it comes to performance, it’s important that everyone sticks together.” That didn’t necessarily sound like Horner was indispensable. Verstappen is said to maintain a closer relationship with Helmut Marko, the motorsport consultant at Red Bull – who in turn was recently said to have had a certain power struggle with Horner.
After the allegations became known, Horner immediately denied everything
In any case, the last few weeks will probably stay with Christian Horner for a while. Many observers saw the allegations against him as damaging not only to Horner’s image, but also to Red Bull and Formula 1. The world association FIA did not want to comment before the investigation was completed, but Formula 1 was already pushing. The fact that the matter was spreading became clear at the latest when the automobile company Ford contacted sports director Mark Rushbrook. The company has high standards when it comes to behavior and integrity and expects the same from its partners – which will include Red Bull from 2026, then Ford will supply the team with engines: “We have the impression, and we have been told this, that Red Bull takes the situation very seriously. And of course they are also concerned about their brand.”
Of the team bosses, only Wolff was willing to express himself clearly. The premier class and its teams stand for inclusion, equality, fairness and diversity: “We are a global sport, one of the most important sports in the world – and we are role models. It’s not just a team problem. This affects the entire Formula 1. “
After the allegations became known, Horner immediately denied everything. Red Bull GmbH initiated an investigation that was to be “carried out by an external, independent investigative lawyer and completed as quickly as possible.” Horner was then questioned for several hours in London on February 9, according to British media. He was not temporarily suspended. At the presentation of the new miracle car two weeks ago in Milton Keynes, he was naturally there with Newey and the two drivers Verstappen and Sergio Perez, as if there was no hustle and bustle surrounding him. He reiterated that he rejected the allegations, that he was facing the investigation and that he was cooperating “fully.” And of course it’s a distraction, but the team is united and focused on the new season: “For me, business continues as normal.”
From a purely sporting perspective, Red Bull didn’t really show anything. After almost 20,000 test kilometers last week, it looks as if the tinkerers in the factories have once again designed the best car. Last season, Verstappen won an incredible 19 out of 22 races, and the year before that he had 15 victories after the aerodynamic reform of the premier class. And this year too, the Dutchman is likely to race across the asphalt so dominantly on his trip around the globe that his collection of titles will turn into a world championship quadruple series. The only question is whether his boss will really still be called Christian Horner at the last race.