The affair in Formula 1 surrounding Red Bull team boss Christian Horner continues to spread. The 50-year-old now spoke in detail.
“I think it’s now time to look forward and draw a line in the sand,” said Horner on the sidelines of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and added: “We’re here to race. We’re here as a formula car. 1 team here and it is now time to concentrate on what is happening on track and the performance of the cars and drivers.”
The background is the allegations of an employee who accused Horner of “inappropriate behavior”. These were rejected in an internal investigation, and the employee concerned has now apparently been released from duty.
Details of the allegations or the investigation were never disclosed. “It’s not a matter for Formula 1, it’s not a matter for the FIA, it’s a matter for the company,” said Horner: “It would be the same in any other company.”
Horner makes serious allegations
The “case” received so much media attention. “Which was very, very stressful in many ways. Especially for my family,” Horner continued.
The team boss also made serious allegations. “What happened afterwards is that others tried to take advantage of it. Unfortunately, Formula 1 is a highly competitive business and there are obviously parties who want to profit from it. That is perhaps the not so nice side of our industry. “
Horner did not want to comment specifically on the alleged suspension of the employee, which was reported by several media outlets.
“This process is confidential,” he stressed, explaining: “We are all bound by the same restrictions, and even if I would like to talk about it, I cannot because of this confidentiality agreement.”
Horner reacts to Verstappen attack
According to Horner, a common path into the future is possible at Red Bull Racing despite the open attack by Jos Verstappen. It was agreed that it was now a matter of “looking forward, that’s in everyone’s interest,” he said, referring to the father of world champion Max Verstappen.
“We both have the greatest interest in ensuring that his son has the best possible car,” continued Horner. There was a “discussion” after the last race in Bahrain: “I won’t reveal the contents, but it was held.”
Horner was also convinced that Max Verstappen would stay with the team. “I’m sure,” said the 50-year-old: “He has a great team and a lot of trust in this team. And he has a contract until 2028.” Since Jos Verstappen’s recent outburst, there has been speculation about the world champion’s departure to Mercedes.
In the hours after the first race of the season last Saturday, Jos Verstappen described Horner’s resignation as necessary in several interviews. “There will be tensions here as long as he is in his position,” the 51-year-old was quoted by the English “Daily Mail”: “The team runs the risk of being torn apart.”