Red Bull Racing

CHRISTIAN Horner is flying to Bahrain ahead of the F1 season opener as he awaits the outcome of an investigation into his behaviour.It is understood the embattled Red Bull Racing chief, 50, will find out his fate today following an internal probe.
Christian Horner pictured on February 22Credit: Getty
Horner shares a laugh with world champion Max Verstappen at pre-season testingCredit: Getty
Horner was initially under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work.
But it was later alleged that he sent the female employee “sexually suggestive” messages.
Horner has vehemently denied all claims that threaten his position as leader of the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen.
It is widely expected the result of the probe – being handled by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria – will be revealed today as his position at the team’s helm hangs in the balance.
More on Christian Horner
Over the three-week process of the probe, the message from within the team has been that it is “business as usual”.
And that stance has not changed as Horner, who is not believed to know the outcome of the investigation, is today jetting out to the island, Sky Sports reports.
It is reported he will not be present for the media day today, but is due in the paddock for practice tomorrow.
But The Sun this week told how the full report on the probe may be kept secret by Red Bull.
Most read in Motorsport
Horner was present at the pre-season testing in Bahrain last week and Red Bull’s 2024 car launch days prior.
Last week, Horner addressed the new bombshell probe and declared he wanted a conclusion as “soon as possible”.
Christian & Geri Horner Mansions
He was previously reportedly urged to resign by ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone – and F1 insiders did not “expect him to survive in his role”, according to BBC Sport.
Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is understood to be standing firmly by her husband, who she married in 2015.
Earlier this month, she was pictured smiling alongside her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
She was allegedly reduced to tears when news of the scandal broke – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
Horner, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a private location late into the afternoon on February 9.
He is said to have privately vowed to his friends he will “clear his name and come through this,” a source told the Daily Mail.
Horner joined Red Bull Racing in 2005 and is the sport’s longest-serving team principal.
The F1 chief has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
The bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List

Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
Should he quit his role, Red Bull would be seeking a replacement to lead their defence of the two titles they won in 2023, with Max Verstappen winning his third world championship.
But F1 insiders say the probe has already caused “loss of image” to the team.
Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan told F1-Insider.com: “I have experienced many wrong decisions.
“But the Red Bull situation is the most absurd thing I’ve ever seen. Of course, there is initially the presumption of innocence for Horner.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“But does anyone seriously believe that the employee made up her mind about the allegations?
“If Horner is innocent, is she guilty? Red Bull’s loss of image is already huge. Someone has to pull the ripcord now.”
Horner with wife Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyA look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.

1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

F1 legend Eddie Jordan has launched a scathing attack on Red Bull over its handling of the Christian Horner sexting probe.The former racing team owner blasted the formal investigation into Horner’s behaviour as “absurd” and said the damage it had done to the team was “already huge”.
Christian Horner’s future at Red Bull is still hanging in the balance – with a decision expected in 48 hoursCredit: PA
F1 legend Eddie Jordan blasted the investigation as ‘absurd’ and deeply damaging to Red BullCredit: Getty
Red Bull has been pushing the message of ‘business as usual’ at pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: Reuters
Jordan, who founded the now defunct Jordan Grand Prix team which competed from 1991 to 2005, told Red Bull to “pull the ripcord now” and make a decision over Horner’s fate at the team.
The Red Bull chief, 50, is expected to find out within the next 48 hours if he is out of a job after a three-week probe into controlling behaviour and sexting allegations made by a female colleague.
Speaking to F1 Insider, Jordan said: “I have experienced many wrong decisions.
“But the Red Bull situation is the most absurd thing I’ve ever seen.
read more on christian horner
“Of course, there is initially the presumption of innocence for Horner. But does anyone seriously believe that the employee made up her mind about the allegations?”
Jordan, a close friend of Red Bull’s design maestro Adrian Newey, added: “Red Bull’s loss of image is already huge. Someone has to pull the ripcord now.”
Horner vehemently denies all the allegations and has repeatedly said he hopes for a swift end to the investigation.
F1 insiders believe the decision will come before the season-opening Grand Prix which first kicks off on Wednesday.
Most read in Motorsport
It comes as the full report into the behaviour probe, which is being handled by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria, could be kept secret by Red Bull.
It is understood that the investigation, which was carried out by a specialist barrister and included an eight-hour grilling on February 9, has now concluded.
Red Bull chief Christian Horner arrives for press conference ahead of testing for Bahrain Grand Prix
Yesterday, two-time world champion Max Verstappen spoke out again about the investigation of his racing boss.
Speaking to reporters at the Milton Keynes launch, he said it will be “nice for everyone” when the investigation is resolved.
The Red Bull driver added: “So it’s better that I just focus on my own performance because that’s already the day job.
“But I guess…for everyone, it’s nice, of course, when things are resolved. But that’s the only thing that I can say about that.
“Everyone who is here, they’re all focusing on the performance of the car, as they should.”
His statements echo those from inside the Red Bull Racing team whose go-to phrase has been “business as usual” while they wait for a conclusion to the saga.
The bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List

Horner, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, oversaw pre-season testing last week in Bahrain and was all smiles as he pictured in the pit lane.
But other team principals have been calling for greater “transparency” in the world of F1 in the wake of the scandal engulfing Red Bull.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff described it as “an issue for all of Formula One”, while Mclaren chief Zak Brown called the allegations “extremely serious”.
Brown hoped that they were being handled in a “very transparent way” and “swiftly” as “these are not the headlines that Formula One wants or needs.”
Since the scandal broke, Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, has stood by her husband.
Last weekend, she was pictured smiling alongside Horner, who she married in 2015, at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
However, fresh reports say the Spice Girls star is “mortified and angry” over the probe.
But she has privately insisted her husband, with whom she shares a son, has done nothing wrong.
Horner shares a laugh with world champion Max Verstappen at pre-season testingCredit: GettyChristian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.

1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

Geri Halliwell is reportedly ‘mortified and angry’ at the probe into her husband’s behaviourCredit: Getty
The scandal has overshadowed the gear up to the F1 racing seasonCredit: Getty
Horner has denied all the allegationsCredit: Getty More

THE full report of the “inappropriate behaviour” probe into Christian Horner may be kept secret by Red Bull.The F1 boss is expected to find out within the next 48 hours whether he will remain as boss of Red Bull Racing.
Christian Horner is expected to find out whether he will remain as boss of Red Bull RacingCredit: Getty
Horner chats with a team member during the pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: Getty
The 50-year-old has been the subject of an internal investigation following a complaint from a female colleague of alleged inappropriate behaviour.
Following the three-week probe, the decision is expected to be made before the season-opening GP, which kicks off Wednesday, F1 insiders believe.
It is understood that the investigation, which was carried out by a specialist barrister and included an interview with Horner on February 9, has now concluded.
However, it remains unknown if the full report will be published, given it was an internal investigation, rather than a legal hearing.
READ MORE ON HORNER
Horner has repeatedly denied the accusations and fully-complied with the investigation, which is being handled by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria.
Horner and his Red Bull Racing team have provided no time scale for the announcement.
The message from within the team has been that it is “business as usual” within the Milton Keynes-based team while they wait for the investigation to be completed.
Horner oversaw F1 testing last week in Bahrain and had previously said he expected to be in control come the race, which will be held this Saturday, also in Bahrain.
Most read in Motorsport
Horner joined Red Bull Racing in 2005 and is the sport’s longest-serving team principal.
He has won 13 titles with the team, winning six constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles.
Should he quit his role, Red Bull would be seeking a replacement to lead their defence of the two titles they won in 2023, with Max Verstappen winning his third world championship.
But F1 insiders say the probe has already caused “loss of image” to the team.
Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan told F1-Insider.com: “I have experienced many wrong decisions.
“But the Red Bull situation is the most absurd thing I’ve ever seen. Of course, there is initially the presumption of innocence for Horner.
“But does anyone seriously believe that the employee made up her mind about the allegations?
“If Horner is innocent, is she guilty? Red Bull’s loss of image is already huge. Someone has to pull the ripcord now.”
Last week, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the investigation was “an issue for all of Formula One”, while McLaren’s called for a “swift ” and “transparent” conclusion to the investigation due to the negative headlines it was attracting.
Everything you need to know about Christian Horner’s life and career

1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

Horner is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, who is said to be devastated by the investigationCredit: Getty More

CHRISTIAN HORNER is expected to find out within the next 48 hours whether he will remain as boss of Red Bull Racing.The 50-year-old is the subject of an internal investigation following a complaint from a female colleague of alleged inappropriate behaviour.
Christian Horner is expected to find out whether he will remain as boss of Red Bull RacingCredit: Getty
Horner chats with a team member during the pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: EPA
Horner has repeatedly denied the accusations and fully-complied with the investigation, which is being handled by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria.
Horner and his Red Bull Racing team have provided no time scale for the announcement.
However, F1 insiders believe the decision could be made before the season-opening GP, which kicks off Wednesday.
The message from within the team has been that it is “business as usual” within the Milton Keynes-based team while they wait for the investigation to be completed.
Read more on motorsport
Horner oversaw F1 testing last week in Bahrain and had previously said he expected to be in control come the race, which will be held this Saturday, also in Bahrain.
It is understood that the investigation, which was carried out by a specialist barrister and included an interview with Horner on February 9, has now concluded.
Horner joined Red Bull Racing in 2005 and is the sport’s longest-serving team principal.
He has won 13 titles with the team, winning six constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles.
Most read in Motorsport
Should he quit his role, Red Bull would be seeking a replacement to lead their defence of the two titles they won in 2023, with Max Verstappen winning his third world championship.
Last week, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the investigation was “an issue for all of Formula One”, while McLaren’s called for a “swift ” and “transparent” conclusion to the investigation due to the negative headlines it was attracting.
However, it remains unknown if the full report will be published, given it was an internal investigation, rather than a legal hearing.
Everything you need to know about Christian Horner’s life and career

1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

Horner is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, who is said to be devastated by the investigationCredit: PA More

F1 champion Max Verstappen has spoken out about Christian Horner’s “sexting” investigation amid mounting pressure on Red Bull to resolve the matter.A probe into allegations of controlling behaviour and sexting made by a female staffer against the Red Bull chief was launched three weeks ago.
Max Verstappen has spoken out about Horner’s probeCredit: Getty
The Red Bull chief is being investigated over “inappropriate behaviour” and “sexting” claimsCredit: Getty
Horner has denied all the allegations and said he’s waiting for a conclusion ” as soon as possible”Credit: AP
It is understood the outcome of the investigation could be revealed as soon as tomorrow, the day before the first press conferences for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Earlier today Ford CEO Jim Farley demanded a resolution to the investigation into Horner as he expressed his disapproval of “the unresolved allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Red Bull Racing leadership”.
The Red Bull boss, 50, has vehemently denied all the allegations and declared he wanted a conclusion as “soon as possible” when he addressed the probe.
While Horner and his supporting wife Geri are anxiously waiting to find out his fate, Verstappen said it will be “nice for everyone” at Red Bull when the investigation is resolved.
READ MORE ON HORNER
Speaking to media at the Milton Keynes launch, the Red Bull driver said: “I mean in terms of talking about that, it’s not that suddenly sat here, that I can speak about things.
“So it’s better that I just focus on my own performance because that’s already the day job.
“But I guess, of course, for everyone, it’s nice, of course, when things are resolved. But that’s the only thing that I can say about that.
“Everyone who is here, they’re all focusing on the performance of the car, as they should.
Most read in Motorsport
“Everyone knows their role and everyone is very focused on trying to make the whole package faster.”
Verstappen had previously defended Horner, stating that despite the scandal everything was “the same” between him and his team principal.
He told reporters at the RB20 unveiling on February 15: “It’s the same as always, I can tell you that.
“I don’t know who likes to write these things but to me, Christian is like always.”
The world champion added that he was focused on other things.
“From my side I am very focused on my own performance to get ready, to be fit, to be ready to drive the car.”
It comes as Horner revealed that Daniel Ricciardo is the driver who has “first place in his heart” – instead of the three-times champion Dutchman.
The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M Journey
In the latest episode of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Horner asked his daughter who her favourite driver was – to which she replied “all of them.”‘
But when asked the same question, the 50-year-old surprised everyone with his answer “Daniel Ricciardo.”
Meanwhile, ex-Red Bull driver Christian Klien told the Red Bull-owned broadcaster Servus TV: “Christian is an incredibly big part of the team and helped build it from the ground up, as we know.
“But he’s also a cog in the machine, I would say.”
Red Bull arrived in Bahrain last Tuesday evening for pre-season testing, with Horner still in his £8-million-a-year role.
The bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List

So far, it has been ‘”business as usual” in the pit lane – the team principal’s go-to phrase since news of the scandal broke.
A final decision is expected before the opening Grand Prix race kicks off on March 2.
Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is understood to be standing firmly by her husband, who she married in 2015.
She was allegedly reduced to tears when news of the scandal broke – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Last weekend, she was pictured smiling alongside her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
But fresh reports say the Spice Girls star is “mortified and angry” over the probe.
The Red Bull boss pictured with Sergio Perez at pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: Splash
His wife Geri Halliwell is said to be standing by his sideCredit: PA More

CHRISTIAN Horner’s game might be up even if he is cleared of his “sext” probe amid bad blood and infighting with Red Bull, it was claimed.The F1 boss, 50, is the focus of an internal investigation by the team into his alleged behaviour towards a female colleague.
Christian Horner might leave Red Bull Racing regardless of the outcome of his ‘sext’ probe
Horner (C) looking a bit nervous as he sat with team advisor Helmut Marko (L) during the pre-season testing at the Bahrain International CircuitCredit: AFP
There was speculation of a rift between Horner (L) and Helmut Marko (R) – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisorCredit: Getty
Horner, who denies any wrongdoing, will reportedly have his fate decided within 10 days – leaving him potentially out of a job ahead of the season opener.
But an insider claims he could leave Red Bull Racing even if he survives the inquiry.
The source told the Daily Mail: “How can he stay on with those sort of fault lines in place?”
Another colleague added the Red Bull boss “looks worn down and worn out”.

Horner reportedly has a history of feuding with many factions at Red Bull, most notably with former driver Helmut Marko, the Salzburg-based head of Red Bull’s Formula One Teams.
On Thursday, he addressed the new bombshell sexting probe and declared he wanted a conclusion as “soon as possible”.
Horner refused to comment directly on the allegations made against him during the press conference, stating “I cannot comment on the process or the time scale.”
“I think everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible but I am really not at liberty to talk about the process,” he added.
Most read in Motorsport
The racing boss, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was all smiles yesterday as he signed autographs, posed for selfies with fans and spoke to his drivers.
The allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” against Horner come amid a power struggle at Red Bull Racing.
Red Bull chief Christian Horner arrives for press conference ahead of testing for Bahrain Grand Prix
Rumours of trouble brewing beneath the surface within the team’s leadership have been swirling since the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
After the billionaire’s death, Red Bull drafted in a new board of directors to oversee the business.
Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.
Rumours even went as far as to suggest Horner was determined to get rid of Marko, 80, from the team, reports the Telegraph.
The former professional driver has overseen the Red Bull driver development programme since 2005 and was a driving force in bringing Max Verstappen to the team.
But speculation was played down, with Horner only acknowledging there had been a “small difference of opinion” between himself and Marko.
He even suggested rumours may have been fanned by opponents, adding: “As we’ve tied up both championships, there’s not a lot to be talking about, so it’s very easy for others to wind the situation up.”
But Marko hinted at an internal wrangle when he commented: “I have a contract until the end of 2024 and in the end it’s the shareholders’ decision, not Christian Horner’s, and in the end it’s me who decides.”
Formula 1 reporter Erik van Haren said the power struggle appears to be coming to a “climax now”.
He told De Telegraaf: “[Horner and Marko] become more and more like water and fire.
“Although, of course, in the publicity they pretend that nothing is wrong.
“Horner is, of course, the team principal and the CEO of Red Bull Racing. More than a thousand people work there. Super important for the operational side of the whole story.
Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

“However, it is of course known to all Formula 1 connoisseurs that Helmut Marko, the Austrian, pulls the big picture. So he decides who sits in those seats.
“And yes, Horner might be the guy who would like to do that too, but Helmut is the guy who makes the big decisions.
“So if you were to ask Max Verstappen, the most important man in that team, with a knife to your throat, if you had to choose between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, you would always choose Helmut.”
Meanwhile, Geri Halliwell is set to skip the first F1 race of the season as she’s been left “flattened” by Horner’s “sext” probe.
The ex-Spice Girl, 51, is said to be taken aback by the probe but is vowing to stand by her husband.
And she now may skip next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix as she doesn’t want to face the ongoing scrutiny, a pal has claimed.
A source said: “Geri is devastated and has been struggling to eat and sleep.
“Her family and fellow Spice Girls are worried.
“I hear Christian is trying to pep her up to stay positive, but she has gone to ground in the way she did after she left the Spice Girls.”
“She’s not speaking to anyone,” they told the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, she is doing her best to be there for her adoring husband.
The pal said: “I believe she is in on all the lawyers’ calls.”
“Christian has been telling her that everything is fine – and will be fine – but she just wants it to go away.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The insider continued: “It’s a real problem as her focus is absolutely him.
“She is completely loyal to him; that remains.”
A decision over Horner’s career at Red Bull is reportedly expected in 10 daysCredit: RexThe bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.

This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List More