Red Bull has announced that a hearing over “extremely serious” allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against its CEO and team principal Christian Horner will take place on Friday.
Last week rumours circulating on X, formerly Twitter, of a senior figure at a team being accused of serious allegations. The rumours died down following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, but yesterday Horner was named as the person at the centre of claims by various media of inappropriate and controlling behaviour.
Asked about the allegations by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, external, Horner said: “I completely deny these claims.”
Horner has been Red Bull team principal since their first season in 2005, leading the Milton Keynes-based squad to seven drivers’ titles and six constructors’ triumphs during his nineteen years in charge.
The investigation, which is being carried out by an external specialist barrister, was confirmed by the F1 team’s Austrian parent company on Monday. It is understood that Horner will now meet with the independent legal representatives on Friday to discuss the matter.
A Red Bull statement said, “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation. This process, which is already underway, 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.”
It is understood that Horner will remain as team principal, and chief executive of Red Bull Racing, while the investigation is carried out. Horner has been Red Bull’s team principal since 2005 currently the sports longest serving team boss. His hugely successful career is looking to hanging in the balance.
According to De Telegraaf, the majority of the Red Bull board is in favour of Christian Horner resigning as team principal. Today there have been reports that should Horner be sacked chief technical officer Adrian Newey could leave the team because of contract clauses, this hasn’t been confirmed.
