- Accusation is of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ at Red Bull’s Formula One team
- Horner strongly refutes allegation and says: ‘I completely deny these claims’
Christian Horner has been pictured making his way to a crunch internal hearing following an accusation of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ at Red Bull’s Formula One team.
The 50-year-old, who has been Red Bull’s principal since its founding in 2005, was photographed leaving his home in North London for the hearing where he will be quizzed by an external English KC lawyer.
Red Bull – the Austrian energy drinks company which owns the team – said it had launched an independent investigation on Monday after it was made aware of the allegations.
A source within the Red Bull team said the claims related to ‘controlling behaviour’ and it is alleged that this was towards a female colleague. The complaint was made to the parent firm in Austria rather than the Red Bull team itself.
Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, strongly refutes the accusation and said: ‘I completely deny these claims.’ He has also described the allegation as ‘nuts’, in a message protesting his innocence to MailOnline.
But the Red Bull Racing chief’s future now hangs in the balance, with insiders telling BBC Sport that they expect Horner to be axed.
If Horner fails to survive his role, sources say that an executive from the Austrian side of Red Bull is likely to replace him. Should Horner have to stand down, the effect on the sport would be seismic.
Red Bull has dominated the sport since 2021, including last season when the British-based team took Max Verstappen to his third consecutive world championship. That came after Mercedes were crowned champions seven years running.
Since Red Bull announced its investigation, Horner has remained active in his role as team principal, along with his dual position as chief executive of Red Bull Racing. He was pictured breaking cover for the first time since the allegations yesterday.
On Monday, Red Bull released a statement in which it said was probing ‘certain recent allegations’.
It continued: ‘This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.
‘The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.’
Today’s hearing threatens to overshadow the February 15 launch of Red Bull’s 2024 car, which Verstappen will attempt to defend his world title in. The new Formula One season starts in Bahrain on March 2.
But Horner’s supporters claim he is a pawn in a wider power struggle at the organisation, in a void that has come about after the death of his main ally, Dietrich Mateschitz, the soft drinks magnate, who died in October 2022.
A friend of Halliwell told MailOnline that she is ‘devastated’ over the allegations but will stand by him in public.
Horner has been team principal at Red Bull since their entry into F1 19 years ago, overseeing seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.
Red Bull won 21 of the 22 rounds staged last year, with Verstappen setting a record of 10 consecutive victories as he cruised to his third title in as many years.
Horner was awarded a CBE for his services to motorsport in the New Year Honours List. He and Halliwell married in 2015 and have one child together, seven-year-old Montague.
The Red Bull chief celebrated his 50th birthday in December, with Ronnie Wood and Sir Rod Stewart among the stars who attended.
Take That singer Gary Barlow was also seen tapping away at the piano as the rest of the guests serenaded him with choruses of happy birthday, while R&B singer Jade Jones was seen posing for a picture with Horner.
Horner was also presented with a three-tier birthday cake which read ‘World Champion’ – having won six Constructors’ Championships.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
