Red Bull last week exonerated Christian Horner of any inappropriate behaviour charges, but the team principal is now the focus of a fresh inquiry by an F1 magazine.
An F1 trade journal is getting ready to publish a 19-page study into the allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” against Christian Horner, adding to his already daunting issues.
Last Monday, an independent lawyer conducting a Red Bull probe exonerated the team manager. However, prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix, leaked communications between Horner and an employee of the team were purportedly exchanged.
In addition to travelling for this weekend’s Saudi Grand Prix, Horner is still the team principal. In the first race of the season in Sakhir, he witnessed Max Verstappen dominate, with teammate Sergio Perez coming in second.
The Red Bull CEO reaffirmed his innocence, appeared in public with his wife Geri in Bahrain, and expressed his optimism that he may now go on. The wealthy Thai Chalerm Yoovidhya, who owns a controlling stake in Red Bull, publicly showed his support for him by joining the two on the team’s patio.
Fresh accusations against him, however, will accompany the publication of an investigation into the claims.
BusinessF1 Magazine plans to release the results of its extensive research into the allegations. For its 5,000 readers, the article will also detail the power struggle at the top of Red Bull Racing. The Times stated that sources close to Horner rejected the article as “full of inaccuracies.”
The author of the piece, Tom Rubython, who also runs the magazine, told The Times, “I’ve had about 20 to 30 legal battles in my time so I’m familiar with the process.” They are no longer aware of us. Red Bull Racing has become so engrossed in pursuing mainstream media that they have forgotten our magazine’s release.
“A good old scandal is very rare—our magazine is usually about business, sponsorship, and engines.”
Additionally, Mr. Rubython acknowledged that he did not present Red Bull with his assertions and a right of reply prior to publishing. He declared: “I would have gotten an instant injunction or attempted injunction if I had submitted the claims to Christian. If Harbottle [Horner’s attorneys] pursues us in the morning, they will get into trouble.
“Whether they will or not, I do have a certain reputation of not caving.”
Horner formally restated his denial of the accusations following the revelation of the leaked messages last week. Furthermore, he stated that he wants to concentrate on the season going forward, as Red Bull aims to win a third straight championship.
“To restate, I have always refuted the charges, but I will not comment on speculative remarks made by strangers. He released a statement, “I fully cooperated with the independent investigation at every stage and respected its integrity.”
An independent specialized barrister carried out a comprehensive and impartial inquiry, which resulted in the dismissal of the complaint. I’m still completely focused on the beginning of the season.”
Christian Horner at the Bahrain Grand Prix with his spouse, Geri
The team’s parent company, Red Bull Austria, released the following statement on Wednesday: “Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed, and the independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr. Horner is complete.” An appeal is within the complainant’s rights. Red Bull is certain of the fairness, rigour, and objectivity of the investigation.
“We will refrain from providing any additional comments out of respect for all parties involved, as the investigation report is secret and includes the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the inquiry. Red Bull will keep working to uphold the best standards in the workplace.”
