F1 release Christian Horner statement amid Red Bull investigation into chief’s behaviour

Formula 1 have released a statement commenting on the allegation of inappropriate behaviour levelled at Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

Red Bull opened an investigation earlier this month after a female colleague claimed that Horner, 50, had acted inappropriately towards her. Horner strongly denies the accusation and insisted that it was “business as normal” when making his first public appearance on Thursday.

F1 have since issued a statement which read: “We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing. We hope matter will be clarified at earliest opportunity, after a fair & thorough process. Will not comment further at this time.”

Their comments follow Horner’s strong denial during Red Bull’s presentation of their new car ahead of the 2024 season. Speaking to Sky Sports this past Thursday, the husband of Spice Girl Geri Halliwell affirmed: “It’s business as usual. Obviously, I fully deny any accusations that have been made against me but of course I’ll work with that process, which I hope is concluded in the near future.

“I can’t comment on what that process consists (of). I’m confident obviously in the process and working with the process and deny absolutely any allegations being made. I just continue to work within that process until it’s concluded.”

Horner is understood to have refuted the accusation during showdown talks at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes on Friday, February 9. The 50-year-old added that wife Geri, who he married in 2015 and has three children with, has been “very supportive.” “My focus has been on the job and the season ahead,” he stated.

Horner has been Red Bull’s team principal since they entered Formula 1 back in 2005, making him the longest-serving boss on the grid. During that period, the Leamington Spa-born chief has overseen seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles

Red Bull’s superior performance was evident last year when they won 21 out of the 22 races.   Max Verstappen, a three-time world champion, also set a new record with 10 consecutive Grand Prix victories.  

During Red Bull’s season launch event, star driver Verstappen seemed at ease as he expressed, “I don’t know who enjoys writing such articles.   However, for Christian and me, it’s routine.   Personally, I am dedicated to improving my performance, staying physically fit, and collaborating with the engineers on race preparations.”    Additionally, F1 is not the sole focus of my life.  

While I am at home, I try to avoid dwelling too much on F1 outside of my planned training sessions.   Moreover, I have other things happening in the background, such as plans for the future and projects related to virtual racing that I am involved in.   Therefore, I keep myself occupied enough while at home.