- Christian Horner faces accusations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
- The director of Red Bull provided sustained evidence to the investigation
- The decision could be made this afternoon, as the opening race of the season will be held on Saturday.
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Christian Horner will know in the next 48 hours if he has a future as Red Bull team director.
The KC investigating allegations of “coercive behaviour” made against Horner by a female employee is understood to have submitted a dossier of around 150 pages. The conclusions of the outside lawyer will be considered on Tuesday by the board of directors of the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, based in Salzburg.
His determination could come Tuesday night.
Horner provided sustained evidence over several days to the KC, both in person in London and remotely. He now awaits the decision, wondering whether he should board his private jet to Bahrain for the season-opening race on Saturday, or clear his desk after 19 years of spectacular success.
There is pressure on Red Bull to speed up the investigation. However, the energy drink company is said to be trying to balance those calls with counterclaims to carry out a full and detailed process.
Christian Horner will discover in the next 48 hours if he has a future at Red Bull
Horner has been accused of “coercive behavior” towards an employee, which he denies
The complainant and Horner were still working at the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes on Monday.
It is understood that the woman involved will not travel to Bahrain, should Horner be cleared to fly the 3,000 miles to the Gulf kingdom, where her team is favorite to extend its dominance over the sport after three world championship victories across from star Max Verstappen.
Horner, 50, attended pre-season testing in Bahrain last week but has returned to the UK in the meantime. At home, his Spice Girl wife, Geri Halliwell, remains strongly supportive. The 51-year-old former pop star was on the line while testifying before the KC.
Ford, which will partner with Red Bull from 2026, has led calls for a quick conclusion to the saga. In a letter written on Friday, CEO Jim Farley expressed his displeasure over “unresolved allegations of inappropriate behavior by Red Bull Racing leadership.”
Those sentiments, demanding clarity as soon as possible, are echoed by F1’s American owners, Liberty Media.
Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell remains resolutely supportive of her husband
A source close to Horner said on Monday night: “Christian wants it all over as soon as possible.” He completely denies the allegations and is cooperating fully with the process.’
Horner, who earns £8 million a year, has won 13 world championships since managing the team as a 31-year-old in 2005. He was then the youngest team manager on the grid. He is now the one who has been in office the longest.