- Horner’s future has recently come into question amid a ‘sex texting’ scandal
- Red Bull, however, has publicly backed Horner ahead of today’s Saudi Arabia GP.
- Motorsports advisor Helmut Marko’s future with the team is also in question.
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Red Bull has publicly backed team principal Christian Horner following his recent ‘sex texting’ scandal.
The 50-year-old was cleared of charges of “coercive behaviour” towards a female colleague last week in court. The leaked email produced evidence purporting to show Horner sending suggestive WhatsApp messages to his colleague.
On Thursday it was reported that Red Bull suspended the employee whose complaint sparked the furor around Horner, who insisted in her press conference that it is time to end the saga.
However, doubts remain over his future, although Red Bull sporting boss Oliver Mintzlaff appears to publicly back the team principal.
Red Bull sporting boss Oliver Mintzlaff told Mail Sport: “We are happy with our management.”
Red Bull has publicly backed team principal Christian Horner ahead of today’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Red Bull sporting director Oliver Mintzlaff (right) said they are “happy” with their management despite questions about Horner and motorsports advisor Helmut Marko (left).
Horner (pictured today in talks with Red Bull CEO Franz Watzlawick) was cleared of charges of coercive behavior towards a female colleague last week.
It has not just been Horner’s future that has been called into question following the saga.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has admitted he could be suspended amid a new investigation into several media leaks in the Horner texting scandal.
According motor sportsMarko confessed to Saudi Arabian stations that there was a possibility of missing the next race in Australia.
The same outlet reports that Marko is the subject of an investigation by Red Bull in relation to several leaks to the media that have taken place since the Horner texting scandal broke.
Mintzlaff told German publication BILD that there was a conversation with Marko.
He said: ‘We We had a good conversation with Helmut but we want to focus on the sport and get our second victory of the season. We don’t want to talk about human resources issues in front of everyone.’
Marko’s future could influence the permanence of triple world champion Max Verstappen in the team.
Verstappen could win his 56th race with the team if he converts pole position into victory at today’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Mintzlaff insists a “good conversation” has been had with Marko, who admitted he could be suspended amid a new investigation into media leaks about the Horner scandal.
Max Verstappen has threatened to leave Red Bull if motorsports advisor Marko leaves the team
But Verstappen, Red Bull’s main asset, will not allow Marko to leave, raising the possibility of a move to Mercedes. The triple world champion said: ‘If such an important pillar falls, he is not good for my situation and I have told the team that. He is an important part of my decision making for the future.
“For me, Helmut has to stay. I have a lot of respect for him and what we have achieved together. He goes very far.
“He formed this team with Dietrich (Mateschitz, the late founder of the energy drink company).”
Verstappen made no reference to team principal Horner in his interview.
Halliwell has shown support for her husband despite his recent ‘sex texting’ scandal
Halliwell arrived in Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday after previously supporting her husband in Bahrain.
Despite the recent scandal, Horner’s wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has continued to show her support for the embattled team principal.
She arrived in Jeddah on Saturday to provide further support to her husband ahead of today’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
On track, Red Bull continues to dominate, with Verstappen looking to make it two wins in a row to start the season.