MATT KEW & JONATHAN NOBLE
FORMULA 1
Formula 1 has made clear that it wants Red Bull to complete an investigation into allegations against team boss Christian Horner as soon as possible so that the uncertainty surrounding his position and any fallout does not hang over the opening stages of the 2024 season.
Horner is the subject of a probe launched by the wider Red Bull GmbH firm after unspecified accusations were made by a female employee. He has denied any wrongdoing and recently faced lengthy questioning from an independent barrister appointed by the energy drinks company. Despite the intense speculation over his future, Horner remained front and centre for the team’s launch of its RB20 challenger last Thursday in Milton Keynes (see p38). But F1 has since issued a statement asking for a timely conclusion as the curtain-raising Bahrain Grand Prix rolls into view.
“We have noted that Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing,” read the statement from Formula One Management. “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity, after a fair and thorough process and we will not comment further at this time.”
While F1 hopes that the situation is resolved quickly, it has no formal authority to force the matter, nor get involved in any action on the team or Horner should it be deemed necessary. That falls under the remit of the FIA, which could choose to intervene if there is evidence of any wrongdoing that goes against standards it upholds. Soon after, the governing body noted: “In relation to the independent investigation currently being undertaken by Red Bull GmbH, the FIA reiterates that until such time as the investigation has concluded and the outcome is known, we will not be commenting further. The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusivity within the sport.”
Similarly, Red Bull 2026 engine partner Ford, via its global head of performance motorsport Mark Rushbrook, told the Associated Press: “As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners. It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.”
At the factory launch, Red Bull did a
