Last Updated on February 26 2024, 6:05 pm

Christian Horner is fighting for his career and reputation following allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” with a female colleague were leaked early January. The affair has followed an unusual path for a “kiss and tell” type event in that absolutely no details have reliably emerged as to the Red Bull bosses exact claimed crime.

The German media was rife with rumours that Horner had sent explicit pictures and had used his position of power in a sexually inappropriate fashion, yet no firm facts to support this have ever been released.

 

 

 

Suggestions of Red Bull civil war

Another anomaly is the name of the alleged victim has remained secret -even on the internet – which is highly unusual given this is the oxygen which lets the story fly and often attracts sympathy for the ‘abused’ individual.

This suggests the story was not leaked by an individual seeking revenge but rather was a co-ordinated act taken by certain members of the Red Bull main board in Austria. Speculation has it that ex-CEO of Leipzig FC, Oliver Mintzhaff who is now CEO of special projects and sits on the main board of Red Bull GmbH. Is seeking a more public role and heading up the Red Bull Racing team would give him that.

Of course the uncomfortable matter of removing Christian Horner must be first attended to which will not be easy given under his leadership Red Bull F1 have come from nothing to multiple world champions in less than 20 years.

Reports are now emerging that Christian Horner will know his fate one way or another by tomorrow. The “external investigator” has now lodged his 150 page report with the board in Styria and his findings will be considered on Tuesday.

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Halliwell resolute in support

The resulting action could come as early as Tuesday evening before Christian Horner leaves for Bahrain to supervise the team for the first F1 race of the season.

The Daily Mail recently reported that Horner has given 60 hours of evidence to the KC which is a phenomenal amount of time should the matter be simply an abuse of power claim. Clearly the implications are that Horner may have had an illicit relationship with a female employee and he has gone to great pains to demonstrate this was consensual.

Horner returned from pre-season testing at the weekend to be with his wife Geri Halliwell who is said to have remained resolutely supportive. The 512 year old former pop star was connected online as her husband was questioned by the KC.

Both Horner and the female involved are continuing to work as normal however it is believed should Horner be cleared to fly the 3,000 trip to Bahrain, she will remain back in Milton Keynes.

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Ford initially back Red Bull process

Since the story was planted in the media, Red Bull Gmbh appear to have plodded through a process without regard to the effect that passing time has being having. Ford who are partnering with Red Bull to build their next generation F1 power unit for 2026 have become increasingly vocal.

Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said Friday at Daytona International Speedway that Ford is awaiting the outcome of the investigation into Horner.

“As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners,” Rushbrook said. “It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.

“And that’s why they’ve got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on it all.”

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Ford CEO reveals lack of transparency

However yesterday Ford’s CEO upped the anti when his letter to the Red Bull GmbH board was “leaked.” Jim Farley appeared critical of the was Red Bull have been managing the process and called for an expedited outcome.

“As we have indicated previously, without satisfactory response, Ford’s values are non-negotiable,” Farley wrote.

“It is imperative that our racing partners share and demonstrate a genuine commitment to those same values. My team and I are available at any time to discuss this matter.

“We remain insistent on, and hopeful, for a resolution we can all stand behind.”

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Jim Farley saus Ford “frustrated”

It appears Ford demanded both information on the matter and full transparency from Red Bull, something they did not get.

“We are likewise frustrated by the lack of full transparency surrounding this matter with us, your corporate partners, and look forward to receiving a complete account of all findings,” Farley concluded.

These sentiments were echoed by the F1 commercial rights owners Liberty Media and a source close to Horner said on Monday night: “Christian wants it wrapped up as soon as ;possible. He entirely denies the accusations and he is cooperating fully with the process.

Horner who earns £8m a year is entering his 20th year in F1 and as the head of Red Bull Racing. He has overseen the winning of 13 F1 championships and his team after pre-season testing are expected to claim both honours again this year.

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Sacking Horner is surely unthinkable?

Should Christian survive his next battle appears to be fronted up by Zak Brown of McLaren who is demanding the rules be changed so no one can own two Formula One teams – as Red Bull do at present.

Brown believes this is intrinsically unfair and was allowed at a time when Formula One was struggling to fill the grid.

Of course Red Bull with two teams get two votes at the F1 commission which controls important governance functions within the sport, something Brown believes to be unfair.

Yet the biggest battle on the horizon for Horner is his own future and should he be sacked the story will dominate the upcoming opening weekend of the year.

READ MORE: What Ford’s leaked letter to red Bull suggests