Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull Racing, is currently facing intense scrutiny and uncertainty about his future with the team, following a series of controversies and a dispute with star driver Max Verstappen.
Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing after a team investigation related to allegations made by a female staff member, Horner’s position became precarious due to leaked messages that surfaced shortly after his exoneration, casting a renewed focus on his leadership role.
This controversy arises amidst Red Bull’s strong performance at the start of the Formula 1 season, with Horner expressing his determination to retain his position and maintaining his innocence throughout the ordeal.
His wife, Geri, has also shown her support by accompanying him at the races, even as reports suggest she struggles with the ongoing presence of the accuser within the team.
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The situation has attracted significant media attention, with “The Sun” revealing the internal strife and “Mirror” reporting on Geri Horner’s discomfort.
An upcoming 19-page feature in an F1 trade magazine is expected to delve into the challenges at Red Bull’s helm, amidst accusations of inaccuracies by Horner’s allies.
The controversy has also strained Horner’s relationship with Verstappen and his entourage.
Jos Verstappen, Max’s father and a former F1 driver, has been openly critical, highlighting the detrimental impact on the team’s unity and advocating for Horner’s resignation.
He remarked, “There is tension here while he (Horner) remains in position.
“The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is.
“It will explode.
“He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
In an effort to quell the unrest, Horner met with Verstappen’s manager and Red Bull’s top executives in Dubai, ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, in a meeting described as successful by insiders.
However, the discord led to Jos Verstappen’s decision to skip the Jeddah race following a public spat with Horner in Bahrain.
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Despite the turmoil, Horner has publicly affirmed his belief in retaining his leadership role, citing the support of his family, team, and Red Bull’s majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya.
He emphasized his commitment to the team’s success and personal focus on family and racing.
Meanwhile, Verstappen has chosen to concentrate on his performance and the team’s objectives, distancing himself from the off-track drama and underscoring the team’s dedication to their profession.