Horner’s Fall: Allegations, Verstappen Rivalry, and Red Bull’s Crisis

Red Bull Fires Christian Horner Amidst Controversy and verstappen Uncertainty

The Austrian Formula 1 team Red Bull announced this Wednesday the “immediate” dismissal of Christian Horner as Team Head after more than 20 years in which he conquered eight World Cups and six constructors’ championships.He had a contract until 2030.

Red Bull has not confirmed the reasons for this dismissal, but in recent years the British executive has been involved in several controversies, including an alleged case of sexual harassment towards a team employee.

The now-former Red Bull team head was accused in early 2024 of having harassed an employee, sending messages and photographs of an inappropriate tone.

The Austrian team carried out an internal investigation and concluded by dismissing the veracity of these accusations.

However, an anonymous user leaked a file compilation containing hundreds of “Tests on Christian Horner,” including screenshots and images of WhatsApp conversations, as well as other intimate photographs allegedly sent to the Red bull employee. The case remains open and will reach the courts in 2026.

Bad Relationship with the Verstappen Family

Amidst those accusations of sexual harassment, jos Verstappen, father of the four-time world champion, called for Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull: “There is tension here while he is in position. The team is in danger of breaking. You can’t continue on this path. It will explode. He plays to be the victim, when he is the one who causes problems.”

Following this, Christian Horner’s relationship with Jos Verstappen deteriorated, although they had been acquainted for over a year and a half, always with an underlying tension.

That feeling intensified with Red Bull’s declining performance. In 2024, McLaren overtook them in the Constructors’ World Cup, leaving the Austrian team in third position, and things haven’t improved this season.

This campaign has been very challenging for Red Bull, currently fourth in the constructors’ standings and largely reliant on Max Verstappen, who has scored 165 of the team’s 172 points and won all of their races in 2025.

Max Verstappen’s assessment of a future away from Red Bull may also be important in Horner’s dismissal. Rumors of a possible move to Mercedes have grown, with toto Wolff reportedly keen to sign the Dutch driver.

This move by the Austrian team could have two very different consequences: either confirming Max Verstappen’s departure in search of new challenges after Red Bull’s performance decline, or his continued commitment following Horner’s departure, with whom he has had a strained relationship for some time.

What were the specific details of the allegations against Christian Horner, and how did they initially come to light?

The Allegations Against Christian Horner

The 2024 Formula 1 season was quickly overshadowed by serious allegations leveled against Red Bull Racing Team Principal, Christian horner. Accusations of inappropriate behavior by a team member surfaced in February, triggering an internal investigation by red Bull GmbH. The details,initially reported by Dutch publication De Telegraaf,sparked a media frenzy and raised significant questions about the leadership and culture within the dominant F1 team.

Nature of the Allegations: The accusations centered around alleged inappropriate behavior towards a female employee.Specific details remained largely confidential throughout the investigation, fueling speculation.

Internal Investigation: Red Bull GmbH launched a fully autonomous investigation, led by an external barrister. This process involved interviews with key personnel,including Horner himself and the complainant.

Initial Clearance & Leaks: Horner was initially cleared of any wrongdoing by Red Bull GmbH. Though, shortly after, alleged screenshots and WhatsApp messages purportedly relating to the investigation were leaked to media outlets, including the Buisness Times, reigniting the controversy. Thes leaks cast doubt on the thoroughness and impartiality of the initial investigation.

FIA Involvement: The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the governing body of formula 1, monitored the situation closely. While they did not directly conduct an investigation, they reserved the right to take action if the allegations violated FIA regulations.

Impact on Max Verstappen and the Driver Dynamic

The Horner scandal immediately created tension within the Red Bull team, especially concerning reigning World Champion Max Verstappen. Verstappen, known for his directness, publicly expressed his concerns about the team’s stability and the need for a resolution.

Verstappen’s Position: verstappen repeatedly emphasized the importance of a stable leadership structure for the team’s continued success. He avoided directly commenting on the allegations themselves but made it clear that the situation was unsettling.

Potential Exit Rumors: Speculation mounted regarding Verstappen’s potential departure from Red Bull if the situation wasn’t resolved to his satisfaction. Teams like Mercedes were frequently mentioned as potential destinations.The driver market became intensely focused on Verstappen’s future.

Relationship with Horner: While publicly maintaining a professional relationship, sources suggested a strained dynamic between Verstappen and Horner. The leaks of alleged communications reportedly exacerbated this tension.

Sergio Pérez’s Role: Sergio Pérez, Verstappen’s teammate, navigated a delicate position, offering support to the team while also acknowledging the challenging circumstances. His own future at Red Bull was also subject to speculation.

Red Bull’s Internal Power Struggles & Corporate Fallout

The Horner crisis exposed deeper fissures within the Red Bull association, extending beyond the F1 team. The energy drink company, owned by the Thai Chalerm Yoovidhya family, faced internal conflicts regarding the handling of the allegations and the future direction of the team.

Chalerm Yoovidhya’s Concerns: Reports indicated that the Yoovidhya family was deeply concerned about the damage the scandal was inflicting on the Red Bull brand. They reportedly favored a more decisive response to the allegations.

Oliver Mintzlaff’s Role: Oliver Mintzlaff,Red Bull’s head of corporate governance,was tasked with overseeing the investigation and managing the crisis. His approach was criticized by some for being too cautious.

Adrian Newey’s Departure: The highly influential Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey, announced his departure from Red Bull Racing in April 2024, though his exit was staggered, concluding in early 2026. While Newey cited a desire to pursue other interests, the Horner scandal was widely believed to be a contributing factor. Newey’s departure raised concerns about Red Bull’s long-term technical competitiveness.

Corporate Restructuring: Red Bull initiated a restructuring of its F1 operations, aiming to clarify reporting lines and improve governance. This included a shift in power dynamics within the team.

Horner’s Resignation and the Aftermath

Despite being cleared by Red Bull’s internal investigation and the FIA, Christian Horner ultimately resigned as Team Principal in April 2024. The timing and circumstances of his departure remained shrouded in some mystery.

Reasons for resignation: While Horner cited a desire to focus on his family and the need to bring an end to the speculation, many believe his position had become untenable due to the ongoing controversy and internal pressures.

Robert Joszt’s Appointment: Robert Joszt, previously the President of Red Bull Advanced Technologies, was appointed as the new Team Principal.

Ongoing Investigations: Despite Horner’s resignation, questions remained about the thoroughness of the initial investigation and the handling of the allegations. Some parties continued to call for further scrutiny.

Impact on F1’s Image: The entire saga damaged the image of Formula 1, raising concerns about the sport’s governance and its ability to address serious allegations of misconduct.

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