Christian Horner, the 50-year-old long-time Red Bull team boss, was spotted departing his North London residence amidst rainy weather today. This sighting comes ahead of a crucial hearing tomorrow, triggered by accusations of ‘inappropriate behavior’ within the Formula One team. These allegations, which surfaced on Monday, prompted Red Bull, the Austrian energy drinks company that owns the team, to initiate an independent investigation. This marks the first public appearance of Horner since the allegations came to light.
The accusation has been lodged by another staff member of the British-based team, which clinched Max Verstappen’s third consecutive world championship last year.
The anticipated hearing is slated to occur at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes. Horner vehemently denies the allegation, stating, “I completely refute these claims.”
According to a source within the Red Bull team, the allegations pertain to ‘controlling behavior’ directed at a female colleague. Horner has further dismissed the accusations as ‘absurd,’ vehemently maintaining his innocence in a message conveyed to MailOnline.
An external English KC lawyer has been enlisted to probe the complaint, which was directed to the parent company in Austria rather than the Red Bull team itself by the woman involved.
Today, Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull Formula One team, departs from his residence in North London.
This morning, Christian Horner was spotted driving away from his residence in North London amid the rain.
Last October, Christian Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell were pictured at a book launch held at the Tower of London.
Supporters of Horner argue that he is being used as a pawn in a broader power struggle within the organization, arising from a vacuum left by the passing of his primary ally, Dietrich Mateschitz, the soft drinks magnate, who died in October 2022.
A close friend of Halliwell informed MailOnline that she is ‘devastated’ by the accusations but intends to publicly support him.
Horner has held the position of team principal at Red Bull since their entry into Formula One 19 years ago, overseeing the team’s acquisition of seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.
Last year, Red Bull dominated the competition, winning 21 out of 22 rounds, with Verstappen achieving a record of 10 consecutive victories en route to his third consecutive title.
In recognition of his contributions to motorsport, Horner was honored with a CBE in the New Year Honours List. He and Halliwell tied the knot in 2015 and share a seven-year-old son named Montague.
Red Bull is scheduled to unveil their latest car on February 15 ahead of the upcoming season, which commences in Bahrain on March 2.
A spokesperson for Red Bull stated on Monday: ‘Upon learning of certain recent allegations, the company initiated an independent investigation.’
Christian Horner, the Red Bull chief, and his wife Geri Halliwell were photographed together at the Monaco Grand Prix last May.
Horner and Halliwell attended the Larkhill Royal Artillery Point to Point event in Wiltshire on January 27.
This ongoing process is being conducted by an external specialist barrister.
The company regards these matters with utmost seriousness, and the investigation will be concluded at the earliest opportunity. Further comments at this time would not be appropriate.
Horner and his team celebrated an unprecedented season in Formula One history last year, with Max Verstappen securing his third consecutive title and Red Bull clinching victory in 21 out of 22 races.
As the longest-serving team principal in Formula One, Horner was notably the youngest to lead Red Bull into the sport in 2005. Under his leadership, the team has amassed six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles, making them favorites for another season of dominance.
If Horner were to step down, the impact on the sport would be significant.
In May 2022, Christian Horner was photographed alongside David Beckham on the grid at the Miami Grand Prix.
In October last year, Christian Horner was photographed alongside Prince Harry before the Texas Grand Prix.
Horner and Halliwell meet then-Prince Charles at a Prince’s Trust event in London in 2019
Another significant figure in the paddock for Red Bull is Austrian motorsport consultant and former racer Helmut Marko, who is currently 80 years old. Marko is not a team employee and is not thought to harbor any leadership aspirations.
