What we know about the F1 investigation into Red Bull team principal Christian Horner
The GIST: Less than two weeks into the new F1 season and the grid is already jam-packed with controversy amid the continued fallout from an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behavior” against Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
What we know: Not too much. In early February, Red Bull announced the investigation, which went on while Horner continued “business as normal.” That investigation wrapped up in late February, conveniently before the start of the F1 season, and cleared the team principal of any wrongdoing.
- Given the lack of details, many — including other F1 principals — have called for greater transparency, citing the damage to the public’s perception of the sport.
- Fast forward to yesterday, Red Bull reportedly suspended the woman who made the allegations against Horner as a result of findings from the initial investigation.
What they’re saying: Horner says it’s time to “move onward,” but many in the F1 community are saying not so, erm, fast. Mercedes driver, seven-time World Champion, and certified Good Guy Lewis Hamilton said on Wednesday, “It’s a really pivotal moment for the sport, in terms of what we project to the world and how it’s handled. And it’s not been handled very well to this point.”
- Meanwhile, Jos Verstappen — the controversial father of Red Bull’s star driver Max — has called for Horner’s departure, claiming that “the team is in danger of being torn apart.”
Looking ahead: The news comes with tomorrow’s 12 p.m. ET Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — just the second race of the year — on deck. Time to start those accountability engines.