Red Bull Probes Alleged Misconduct by F1 Team Principal Christian Horner Towards Staff Member

A hearing regarding a complaint of misconduct lodged against Christian Horner, the team principal of the Red Bull Formula 1 squad, is scheduled to occur this Friday.

Red Bull expressed profound concern when the allegations surfaced on Monday and promptly initiated an investigation.

Horner, aged 50, has clinched six constructors’ championships with Red Bull since assuming the role of team principal in 2005.

Responding to the accusations reported by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Horner vehemently refuted the claims, stating, “I categorically deny these allegations.”

In a statement released on Monday, Red Bull said: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.

“This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

Horner has been Red Bull team principal since they first started on the F1 grid in 2005 and has gone on to win seven drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships with the team.

That includes a record-breaking 2023 season in which the team won 21 of 22 races as Max Verstappen secured his third world title.

Having received an OBE in 2013, Briton Horner was appointed a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list last year.

Horner, raced competitively as a youngster but retired aged 25 and set his sights on managing an F1 team.

Red Bull are due to launch their latest car on 15 February before the new season which starts in Bahrain on 2 March.

Amid ongoing drama, reports indicate an internal power struggle brewing within Red Bull Racing. Horner, who became the youngest F1 team principal in 2005, now holds the distinction of being the longest-serving principal in the paddock. Under his stewardship, Red Bull Racing has achieved extraordinary success, securing six constructors’ world championships and seven drivers’ titles. Their dominance has been particularly pronounced in the last two seasons, both of which were comfortably won by Max Verstappen, with Red Bull claiming victory in 21 out of 22 races in 2023. Horner played a pivotal role in recruiting both renowned designer Adrian Newey and driver Max Verstappen, the latter joining F1 at the age of just 17.