At the beginning of 2024, the so-called “Horner affair” shaken the Formula 1. The Red Bull team boss was accused of inappropriate behavior by an employee. There was nothing to be heard from further developments for a long time. Until now.
As the Dutch newspaper “de Telegraaf” reports with the reference to several anonymous sources from the Formula 1 paddock, Red Bull initiated further steps against the team boss in the course of the “Horner affair” and brought the case to the British Labor Court. The hearing is January 2026.
If the employee who is supposed to be a former personal assistant from Horner and the Red Bull team boss in the coming months will not agree, you will see yourself again in the courtroom, where the case will then be negotiated before a jury and a judge. These procedures are usually held publicly.
British media get muzzle
There was nothing to be read in British media for a long time. According to “De Telegraaf”, because the Horner camp in April 2024 had a so-called “Reporting Restriction Order” (RRO), in which it was stated that British media could no longer report on developments. Many publications adhered to the RRO, however, a few not and continued to report.
The “Horner case” heralded a turbulent time at Red Bull Racing about 14 months ago. At the racing team it slammed in front of and behind the scenes. Two camps formed internally. One, led by the Thai shareholders, supported the team manager. The other, who is said to have listened to Jos Verstappen and also Helmut Marko, is said to have strongly campaigned internally for the team leader.
Verstappen even did this publicly and called for Horner’s resignation in several interviews, which ultimately remained in office. In the course of the season, Red Bull was a little more calm again – also because there was no news in this case for a long time. Until now.