Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Christian Horner is currently facing controversy over accusations of inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
The primary Red Bull company, the Austrian-based energy drink company that owns the F1 team, will be investigating the matter, indicating the gravity of the situation.
"After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation. This process, which is already underway, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister," Red Bull said in a statement.
Red Bull also stressed its serious approach to the matter, stating that the investigation would be concluded as soon as possible, and refrained from making further comments.
What exactly did Christian Horner do?
Reports present varying details about Horner's actions, but the central issue involves misconduct directed at a team employee.
The precise nature of the allegations remains ambiguous, with sources like De Telegraaf and F1-Insider.com hinting at behavior deemed over the line towards a member of the Red Bull team.
Furthermore, German newspaper Bild reported that Horner sent "inappropriate" pictures to a staff member, while Daily Mail reported that it was due to "incredibly controlling behavior" towards a female colleague.
In contrast, the Associated Press mentioned claims tied to his aggressive management style, providing no additional context on its implications.
Horner has since completely denied these claims and made no further comments.
Red Bull's Christian Horner urged to step down
According to certain reports, there has been informal encouragement for Horner to resign from his role voluntarily, but he has resisted these suggestions.
It is reported that the directive has been issued directly from Red Bull, encompassing the racing team and the organization.
Horner's defenders claim that he is a victim of an internal power struggle within the broader Red Bull family, involving figures such as Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko and the energy drinks company themselves.
Christian Horner has been with Red Bull since the beginning
The 50-year-old Horner has served as the team principal of Red Bull Racing since their inception in 2005. He is the longest-tenured head of the team on the grid.
Under his leadership, Red Bull has clinched seven World Drivers' Championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, with the latter securing the last three titles.
Additionally, they captured the World Constructors' Championship six times, including the last two.
Last year, Red Bull experienced the most dominant team campaign in Formula 1 history, securing victories in 21 out of the 22 races.
Horner is married to Geri Halliwell, a former member of the Spice Girls. He recently received a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) accolade in the New Year's Honours list.
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