Red Bull finds itself at the center of unprecedented turmoil. It all started at the end of 2023, when an accusation of harassment and inappropriate behavior made by a employee towards Christian Horner, a leading figure within the team. Red Bull promptly launched an internal investigation, but the situation exploded publicly only at the beginning of February, when the press reported details on the Horner case, causing a stir in the world of Formula 1.
The power struggle, and the origin of everything
The internal investigation, which established Horner's innocence, shed light on a power struggle within the team, with several key figures involved in the debate. Yes, because the center of everything is also over Max Verstappen. The presence of the reigning world champion added a further level of complexity to the situation. Despite the successes achieved in the first races of the season, Verstappen appears to be going through a period of uncertainty, with rumors of a possible departure from the team becoming increasingly insistent. Everyone is therefore asking themselves a question: if the team were to fall apart, ea stay if it were only Christian Horner, which path will Verstappen take?
Red Bull launches a new investigation, while the employee appeals
We still don't know the answer to this question. It will all depend on the next few months and the moves of the various protagonists of the story, Horner, Helmut Marko, Jos Verstappen, and last but not least Adrian Newey. The name of the super engineer is one of the most brought up when talking about the Horner case. His figure is associated with the success of Red Bull and the idea of seeing him leave for another country has captured the attention of the press.
One of the latest news on the Horner case emerged recently from The Telegraph. The news concerns a second internal investigation, this time relating to leaks to the media. It is not yet clear against whom the investigation was launched. What is clear, however, is that media fury has characterized this case from the beginning. Bringing it to light before the person concerned did so, or the employee who had contacted Red Bull's human resources. And more news arrives precisely on the employee involved in the Horner case, suspended a week ago by Red Bull itself.
Again according to what the The Telegraph, the employee who made the accusations against Christian Horner has announced that she intends to appeal against the decision issued by the internal investigation. This was after a delay caused by the change of his legal representative.
Toto Wolff: “There is a lack of transparency in this case”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, also expressed his opinion on the issue, declaring that he is watching the situation with particular interest. Wolff underlined the seriousness of the accusations made and criticized Red Bull's lack of transparency: «From the outside we are surrounded by drama. But for a team like Red Bull such a situation is not exceptional. We live in a very transparent world. Not saying something only makes it more interesting: this leads to more questions, more stories and more speculation." According to Wolff, the real question is why a woman who felt uncomfortable was not listened to sooner, raising doubts about the internal management of the case.
Source statements: FormulaPassion
