- Accusation is of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ at Red Bull’s Formula One staff
- Horner strongly refutes allegation and says: ‘I utterly deny these claims’
Christian Horner has been pictured making his strategy to a crunch inner listening to following an accusation of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ at Red Bull’s Formula One staff.
The 50-year-old, who has been Red Bull’s principal since its founding in 2005, was photographed at the back of a black BMW Saloon as he left his North London house for the listening to the place he can be quizzed by an exterior English KC lawyer.
Red Bull – the Austrian vitality drinks firm which owns the staff – stated on Monday that it had launched an impartial investigation after it was made conscious of the allegations.
A supply throughout the Red Bull staff stated the claims associated to ‘controlling behaviour’ and it’s alleged that this was in the direction of a feminine colleague. The grievance was made to the dad or mum agency in Austria slightly than the Red Bull staff itself.
Horner, who’s married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, strongly refutes the accusation and stated: ‘I utterly deny these claims.’ He has additionally described the allegation as ‘nuts’, in a message protesting his innocence to MailOnline.
But the Red Bull Racing chief’s future now hangs within the stability, with insiders telling BBC Sport that they anticipate Horner to be axed. It is unlikely a call can be made at as we speak’s listening to until Horner chooses to resign, which he isn’t anticipated to do.
Christian Horner has been noticed making his strategy to a crunch listening to following an accusation of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ at Red Bull’s Formula One staff
Horner, who’s married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell (pictured collectively in Monaco final May), strongly refutes the accusation and stated: ‘I utterly deny these claims.’
If Horner fails to outlive his position, sources say that an govt from the Austrian aspect of Red Bull is prone to change him. Should Horner have to face down, the impact on the game can be seismic.
Red Bull has dominated the game since 2021, together with final season when the British-based staff took Max Verstappen to his third consecutive world championship. That got here after Mercedes have been topped champions seven years working.
Since Red Bull introduced its investigation, Horner has remained energetic in his position as staff principal, alongside together with his twin place as chief govt of Red Bull Racing. He was pictured breaking cowl for the primary time for the reason that allegations yesterday.
On Monday, Red Bull launched a press release by which it stated was probing ‘sure current allegations’.
It continued: ‘This course of, which is already below method, is being carried out by an exterior specialist barrister.
‘The firm takes these issues extraordinarily significantly and the investigation can be accomplished as quickly as virtually attainable. It wouldn’t be acceptable to remark additional at the moment.’
It just isn’t clear the place as we speak’s listening to can be held, however the Mail understands it is not going to happen at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, whereas a conclusion just isn’t anticipated on the day.
The listening to threatens to overshadow the February 15 launch of Red Bull’s 2024 automobile, which Verstappen will try and defend his world title in. The new Formula One season begins in Bahrain on March 2.
But Horner’s supporters declare he’s a pawn in a wider energy battle on the organisation, in a void that has come about after the demise of his foremost ally, Dietrich Mateschitz, the smooth drinks magnate, who died in October 2022.
Red Bull Formula One staff boss Christian Horner leaves his house in North London yesterday
Christian Horner and spouse Geri Halliwell at a e book launch on the Tower of London final October
Horner with Red Bull’s Formula One champion Max Verstappen in Qatar on October 7 final yr
Christian Horner with David Beckham on the grid on the Miami Grand Prix in May 2022
Christian Horner, pictured with Prince Harry earlier than the Texas Grand Prix in October final yr
Horner and Halliwell meet then-Prince Charles at a Prince’s Trust occasion in London in 2019
A pal of Halliwell advised MailOnline that she is ‘devastated’ over the allegations however will stand by him in public.
Horner has been staff principal at Red Bull since their entry into F1 19 years in the past, overseeing seven drivers’ world championships and 6 constructors’ titles.
He is the longest serving staff boss in Formula One and was by far the youngest when he led Red Bull into the game.
Under him, the staff have gained six constructors’ championships and 7 drivers’ titles and are favourites for an additional season of domination.
Red Bull gained 21 of the 22 rounds staged final yr, with Verstappen setting a file of 10 consecutive victories as he cruised to his third title in as a few years.
Horner was awarded a CBE for his providers to motorsport within the New Year Honours List. He and Halliwell married in 2015 and have one baby collectively, seven-year-old Montague.
Red Bull chief Christian Horner is pictured together with his spouse Geri Halliwell in Monza, Italy, again in 2014
Horner and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen rejoice profitable the Malaysia Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit on October 1, 2017
Christian Horner celebrates with the trophy on the rostrum of the Yas Marina Circuit after the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix on December 12, 2021
Horner and Halliwell pose on the crimson carpet on the ‘Ferrari’ movie premiere in Leicester Square in December
The Red Bull chief celebrated his fiftieth birthday in December, with Ronnie Wood and Sir Rod Stewart among the many stars who attended.
Take That singer Gary Barlow was additionally seen tapping away on the piano as the remainder of the visitors serenaded him with choruses of glad birthday, whereas R&B singer Jade Jones was seen posing for an image with Horner.
Horner was additionally offered with a three-tier birthday cake which learn ‘World Champion’ – having gained six Constructors’ Championships.