Red Bull publicly BACKS under -fire team principal Christan Horner amid `sex texts’ scandal

Red Bull have publicly backed under-fire team principal Christian Horner after his recent ‘sex texts’ scandal.

The 50-year-old was exonerated in an independent investigation of allegations of ‘coercive behaviour’ towards a female colleague last week, before leaks were made to the media purporting to contain messages from Horner to the female complainant.

It was reported on Thursday that Red Bull suspended the female employee whose complaint triggered the furore around Horner, who insisted in his press conference that it is time to draw a line under the saga.

However, there continues to be questions over his future, though Red Bull’s head of sport Oliver Mintzlaff has appeared to publicly back the under-fire team principal.

Red Bull’s head of sport Oliver Mintzlaff told Mail Sport: ‘We are happy with our management.’

It has not just been Horner’s future that has come under question on the back of the saga.

Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has admitted he could be suspended while reports have suggested that this could be in relation to a fresh investigation regarding various media leaks in the Horner text scandal

According to a report from MotorSport, Marko admitted during an interview with broadcasters in Saudi Arabia that he might not be able to attend the upcoming race in Australia.

According to the same source, Marko is currently under investigation by Red Bull regarding multiple instances of media leaks that have occurred following Horner’s text scandal. Mintzlaff told the German publication BILD that he had spoken with Marko.

He mentioned that they had a productive discussion with Helmut, but their priority is on the sport and achieving their second win of the season. They prefer not to discuss HR matters publicly.

Marko’s future could potentially influence Max Verstappen’s decision to remain with the team as a triple world champion. If Verstappen manages to secure a victory in today’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix starting from pole position, he would claim his 56th race win with the team.

Verstappen, Red Bull’s key member, is unwilling to see Marko leave as it could potentially lead to him transferring to Mercedes.

The three-time world champion expressed his concerns about Marko’s potential departure, stating that it could impact his future with the team.

Verstappen emphasized the significance of Marko in influencing his decisions regarding his future. “I believe it is important for Helmut to remain with us.

I have a great deal of admiration for him and value our accomplishments together. Our relationship runs deep.”

“He established this team with Dietrich (Mateschitz, the deceased founder of the energy drink company).” In his interview, Verstappen did not mention team principal Horner.

Horner’s wife, ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has continued to support the team principal despite the recent scandal. On Saturday, she reached Jeddah to offer additional assistance to her husband before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix taking place today.

Red Bull remains dominant on the track, with Verstappen aiming for consecutive wins at the beginning of the season.