Red Bull Racing

CHRISTIAN Horner is set to lead Red Bull into the first day of testing this week as they gear up for the 2024/25 Formula One season.The 50-year-old is thought to be jetting off to Bahrain in the coming hours despite the bombshell allegations against him still hanging over his head.
Christian Horner is set to lead Red Bull into the first actual tests of the F1 season in Bahrain this weekCredit: AFP
Horner has said he is approaching things like ‘business as usual’ as he and Red Bull gear up for the new F1 seasonCredit: AFP
Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell has made it clear she is standing by her man in light of the allegationsCredit: Getty
Horner is fighting to save his F1 career following shock allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague and claims he sent “sexually suggestive” texts.
Even though Horner has categorically denied the claims, Red Bull are continuing to investigate them and have already put Horner through an eight hour grilling.
Horner is due to arrive in the Gulf kingdom this evening to watch his star driver Max Verstappen take to the wheel of the RB20 for the first time around an F1 track in the coming days.
The successful Red Bull team principal is also expected to attend a press conference at the testing event alongside other F1 bosses.
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Horner, who has previously said everything is “business as usual” has already been present at secret Red Bull test runs and the RB20 launch event.
F1 released a statement on Sunday saying: “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
“We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing.
“We will not comment further at this time.”
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With Horner’s future reportedly still hanging in the balance it is unsure if he will be back in Bahrain for the F1 season opener on March 2.
Although it was recently announced that the final decision on Christian Horner’s Red Bull probe could be set to come out this week.
Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
Ford reportedly put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
Ford will be partners with Red Bull Racing from 2026 as the team’s engine supplier but sources say they could walk away from the deal in wake of the allegations and if things aren’t dealt with soon.
The Financial Times reported this week that a private letter from the US carmaker to the owner of the F1 team allegedly urged Red Bull to be fully open in its findings, according to two people around Ford.
And it is now believed that the decision around Horner’s future will be settled soon with The Times reporting that Red Bull have a desire to speed up the process and end the disruption around the team.
The media have focused on the allegations since they came out with Horner being quizzed by journalists at the recent Red Bull launch event over his alleged conduct.
The frenzy around Horner has been seen as a distraction at Red Bull as they look to retain their constructors title for 2024/25 and help World Champion Max Verstappen break even more records.

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Horner – who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has said to be hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week.
He is said to be happy to cooperate with the investigation for as long as necessary, including answering more questions from an independent lawyer.
WHAT HAS BEEN CLAIMED?
Red Bull opened up a serious investigation into the shock allegations by a female employee but fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
Horner — who has denied all of the allegations so far — was originally only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, claimed to have seen ­messages at the heart of the probe and have alleged they were “sexually orientated”.
So far, neither Horner or the woman have been suspended and have continued to work among 1,500 staff at Red Bull Racing’s British HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 and categorically denied any wrongdoing.
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.
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Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
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

Horner has denied all of the claims but the final results of the investigation still loom over his headCredit: Reuters
Red Bill’s investigation into the claims are still ongoingCredit: Alamy Live News More

GERI Halliwell briefly unfollowed Max Verstappen on Instagram after her Red Bull chief husband Christian Horner was accused of sending “sexual messages” to a colleague.Horner’s future of running the all-conquering team of world champion Verstappen has been thrown into doubt following the bombshell claims.
(L-R) Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, David Beckham, Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell at the Grand Prix of Miami in May 2022Credit: Getty
Horner with wife Geri, who he married in 2015Credit: Getty
Verstappen and Horner the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar in October 2023Credit: Getty
The Red Bull Racing boss, 50, has vehemently denied all claims threatening his position.
Horner was initially only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work towards a female worker.
But in recent days, fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
Geri – who was reduced to tears as news broke of the scandal but has privately insisted he did nothing wrong – was on Sunday pictured standing by her husband at a horse racing event at Badbury Rings, Dorset.
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But amid reports of infighting at Red Bull and accusations against Horner, ex-Spice Girl Geri unfollowed Verstappen on Instagram today.
Mysteriously, she later refollowed his account – seeing the number of pages she follows go from 30 to 33.
Red Bull Racing, Horner and Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet are among the accounts she follows.
Geri is being supported by her former bandmates following the launch of a probe by Red Bull’s Austrian HQ.
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The Sun exclusively revealed Horner – who married Geri in 2015 – was being helped by all the Spice Girls.
A source said: “They are quietly supporting her behind the scenes and checking in to make sure she is OK.
“Geri has been left ­broken by the ordeal, but is grateful for the kindness being shown to her by friends.”
Geri Halliwell ‘leaning on Victoria Beckham’s support’ amid ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe into hubby Christian Horner
Last week, both Horner and Verstappen were at the launch of Red Bull Racing’s season launch event at the team’s Milton Keynes HQ.
But tensions are claimed to have been running high among the team before accusations were made against Horner.
Rumours of issues between the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 and the team drafted a new board of directors.
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.
Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 last week.

It comes as…

He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
“Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
“In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
“There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
Ford were said to have put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
Reports say this could mean Horner could find out his fate much sooner than originally expected.
Horner has said to be hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week — when the team will fly to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
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He would be expected to fly out as team manager.
Christian Horner, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez unveil the new RB20Credit: ReutersWhat has been claimed? F1 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

FORMULA 1 has today released a statement on the allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by Christian Horner. The Red Bull boss, 50, is currently under investigation following the shock allegations by a female employee two weeks ago.
Christian Horner has repeatedly denied claims of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ against himCredit: Getty
Wife and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is strongly standing by his side, sources sayCredit: Getty
Horner this week said everything was still ‘business as ususal’ at Red Bull RacingCredit: YouTube
He has vehemently denied all allegations and was originally only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work.
But in recent days, fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
F1 said in a statement today: “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
“We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing.
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“We will not comment further at this time.”
The Sun last night exclusively revealed Horner – who is married to star Geri Halliwell – was being supported by all the Spice Girls.
A source said: “They are quietly supporting her behind the scenes and checking in to make sure she is OK.
“Geri has been left ­broken by the ordeal, but is grateful for the kindness being shown to her by friends.”
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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.
Christian Horner praises Red Bull’s ‘very inclusive team culture’ in first public appearance since ‘behaviour’ probe
She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
A final decision on Rebbill’s probe into the accusations could come out as early as next week, reports claim.
Ford were said to have put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
Reports say this could mean Horner could find out his fate much sooner than originally expected.
Horner has said to be hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week — when the team will fly to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, claimed to have seen ­messages at the heart of the probe and have alleged they were “sexually orientated”.

It comes as…

The paper reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to the woman 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.
Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 this week.
He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
“Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
“There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
What has been claimed?
F1 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

SPICE Girl Geri ­Halliwell’s F1 chief hubby is  facing new claims — that he sent “sexually suggestive”  texts to a woman employee.Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner — who  vehemently denies the allegations  — was thought to have been under investigation only over alleged controlling behaviour at work.
F1 chief Christian Horner is facing new claims
The 50-year-old Red Bull Racing boss – and husband of Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: Rex
Red Bull will be hoping their car can land a third constructors title in a rowCredit: Reuters
But Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, which yesterday claimed to have seen ­messages at the heart of the probe, alleges that  they were “sexually orientated”.
De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to the woman 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.
De Telegraaf also claimed Horner’s lawyers tried to settle the case with a  payment — and that senior Red Bull management were aware of his offer.
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Mr Horner was last night categorically denying the allegations and said to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
The shock claims will have ramped up the heartache for pop star Geri, 51, who was said to have been “in floods of tears” when the scandal first broke.
Former racing driver Horner, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling last week.
Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
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Team principal Horner denied all the allegations against him and was present at the launch of Red Bull’s RB20 2024 car on Thursday.
Neither he nor the woman have been suspended and have continued to work among 1,500 staff at Red Bull Racing’s British HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
Christian Horner SPOTTED at top secret Red Bull test run as he awaits decision in ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe
Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 this week.
He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
“Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
“In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
“The drivers have been incredibly good, the partners, it’s been incredible.”
“There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
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F1 insiders said after Horner was grilled last week that he was not “expected to survive in his role” at Red Bull. But a source told The Sun: “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and is not going to resign.”
Red Bull Racing declined to comment yesterday and the drinks firm’s Austrian parent company did not respond to inquiries about the Dutch paper’s report.
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

Horner was present at the launch of Red Bull’s RB20 2024 car on ThursdayCredit: YouTube
World champion Verstappen, his teammate Perez and HornerCredit: Getty More

CHRISTIAN HORNER faced the music for the first time since the bombshell dropped 12 days ago.And he looked like a man who had not slept a wink of sleep since.
Christian Horner made his first public appearances since Red Bull launched an internal investigation into his conduct
Horner was speaking at Red Bull’s 2024 car launchCredit: Oracle Red Bull Racing
Red Bull will be hoping their car can land a third constructors title in a rowCredit: Reuters
Horner has been in charge of Red Bull since 2005Credit: AP
Dressed in his usual attire of jeans, white shirt covered by a jumper and dark jacket but unusually he wore glasses.
He sat on a plastic chair surrounded by journalists who were under the instruction not to press the 50-year-old about the internal investigation he has been subjected to.
But this is Horner’s team – the one he has helped build since he first walked through the door here in Milton Keynes in 2005. He would not be pigeonholed.
To his sizeable credit, he did not baulk at the carefully-worded questions designed to elicit as much information as possible without straying into the red.
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He answered everything he was faced with, repeating four times that he denied all the allegations made against him by a female colleague.
He spoke softly and calmly and he even made a joke at the end of the media session where he asked what we thought about the new car – there had not been a single question about it.
The matter is out of his hands and being taken care of at the energy drink’s HQ in Austria after they chose to start their own private investigation.
The message from Horner is clear – that he has nothing to hide, this is his team and they were launching their challenger for 2024 in their Milton Keynes HQ looking to defend their titles.
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It would have been easy for him to cancel. Sickness, or legal advice, or blown tyre on the motorway – whatever the excuse.
Or indeed for his Red Bull racing team to do a ‘digital only car launch’ as rivals Mercedes had done the day before – stopping themselves from an inquest into Lewis Hamilton’s sudden decision to defect to Ferrari in 2025.
Christian Horner SPOTTED at top secret Red Bull test run as he awaits decision in ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe
No, Horner and his Red Bull team were committed to this launch and he was determined to be there.
As he does the preseason testing in Bahrain – and the season opener at the same track on March 2nd.
He said: “Look, I think moments of uncertainty brings us together and I’ve never seen a team more together and supporting than it is.
“Everybody’s focused on one thing, which is the performance of that car to go out and defend both the world titles that we’ve worked so hard to achieve over the last couple of years.
“So the car is what everybody is invested in and I look forward to seeing it in action in Bahrain next week.”
When asked if he expected to be in his position for that first race, he added: “I am confident in the process and working with the process and absolutely deny any of the allegation that has been made.”
Drive to survive
Horner has achieved so much success, winning 13 world titles – six constructors and seven drivers’ championships – in 19 years.
He has done so by being diligent. A taskmaster who expects the same commitment from his staff.
However, perhaps pointedly so, he chose to highlight how he has managed the 1,500 staff that work across their sprawling campus.
He said: “It’s a big team. It’s one of the biggest sporting teams in the world and it has always been one of our strengths – the way we work.
“We’ve had tremendous stability. We’ve had a very low turnover of staff.
“We’ve had huge continuity over the years. People work here because they love working here.
“They enjoy working here and they share a passion and they share in that passion for going racing and racing against some such fierce competitors.”
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

An hour before our interview, Horner was on stage presenting the RB20 in front of media, partners and influencers.
Sitting by the side of the stage were Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.
The latter has even been mooted as a possible replacement for the Brit, should he not remain in his position.
Horner was asked whether he felt he still had the support of senior figures from Red Bull and “The support from the shareholders I’ve had, it’s been fantastic,” he said without naming names.
“I think the support for shareholders following the death of Dietrich Mateschitz, you can see the commitment that there is in Formula One – Red Bull Powertrains to Red Bull Advanced Technologies.
“We’re one we’re one team and that support has been very clear.”There was perhaps one ill-judged moment given an accusation of “improper conduct”.
Superman cape
During the on-stage presentation, former F1 star David Coulthard reminded Horner about jumping into a swimming pool with only a superman cape to protect his modesty.
It was of course a reflection on the team’s first podium that Coulthard had taken in Monaco in 2006 with Horner losing a sportsman’s bet that he didn’t think the Scot would achieve such a triumph.
High jinks in 2005, perhaps that is no longer in keeping with F1, or indeed society, in 2024.
For the meantime, Horner remains in place and has the support of his drivers.
World champion Max Verstappen says he is not worried about the team being distracted.
“No,” he said, “I feel that everyone is very focused and very motivated. It was nice the day before we had the filming day, when the car comes together.
“To see so many people fully focused on their little baby. Everyone is very excited to get to Bahrain.
“The [spirit in the team] is fantastic. It’s honestly better than ever.
“Everyone is really enjoying their role, everyone is very proud of what they have achieved, and everyone is very much looking forward to the new season.
“[My relationship with Christian is] very good. We’ve seen each other quite a few times. I’ve been on the simulator.

“He was also there when we were filming. We’ve achieved a lot of things together so that doesn’t change suddenly.”
Sergio Perez added: “The whole team is fully focused on this new year, we know that we’ve got a massive challenge ahead of us and that’s the main objective for all of us.”
Horner is married to Spice Girl GeriCredit: Getty

🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

CHRISTIAN Horner has made his first public appearance since bombshell claims of “inappropriate behaviour” were made against him.The successful Formula One team chief was facing the cameras at Red Bull Racing’s season launch event today.
Christian Horner has made his first public appearance since bombshell claims of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ were made against himCredit: Red Bull
He smiled as he appeared alongside former Red Bull driver David CoulthardCredit: Red Bull
Horner was last seen at a secret test run this week for the new Red Bull car laughing and smiling
Christian’s wife Geri has backed her husband since the bombshell claims came outCredit: PA
The 50-year-old turned up to the launch event at the team’s Milton Keynes HQ as planned.
He smiled as he initially appeared alongside former Red Bull driver David Coulthard.
As the pair reflected on the retired racing driver’s time with the team, Horner said: “It’s a very inclusive culture, it’s a team culture.”
He continued: “It’s everything. The men and women here at Milton Keynes, all the people behind the scenes.
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“It’s out of these industrial buildings that we’ve created these incredible cars.
“For me, Formula 1 is a team sport, and it’s the people that are the single biggest assets.”
Chief technology officer Adrian Newey then joined the duo and Horner described “keeping the team together” during Mercedes’ period of dominance.
Current world champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez arrived as the team unveiled their incredible car for the F1 season ahead.
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The Dutchman, 26, said: “I guess time will tell. I’m excited. It’s always very nice to see a new car come to life, all the people around it.
“For me, it’s about looking forward to Bahrain, to get testing, get comfortable.
Christian Horner breaks silence on ‘inappropriate behaviour’ allegation at Red Bull F1 launch
“It’s going to be a long season, and we just want to hit the ground running.”
Horner then told Sky News: “I feel the support within the business, within our partners, within the industry – it is overwhelming.
“There’s a process that’s ongoing at the moment. Some allegations have been made, which I fully deny and I have fully complied with that process and will continue to do so.
“I think it’s been very clear. In the position of Red Bull, it has been business as normal.
“The allegation is a process that Red Bull are running through and they confirmed that process externally.
For me, Formula 1 is a team sport, and it’s the people that are the single biggest assets.Christian HornerPrincipal of the Red Bull Racing
“But there’s a job to do – I denied fully the accusations and my role obviously continues.”
Horner was asked how he has been able to concentrate on his work with the accusations swirling around and coping being thrust into the spotlight.
He added: “I will continue to do so until the conclusion of the process, the internal process – I can’t tell you what that process consists of.”
In a separate interview to Dutch journalists, Horner added: “I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife.
“My focus has been on the job and the season ahead. I’m not going to talk about private matters, but my family have been hugely supportive.”
The Red Bull launch was the final of this year’s ten F1 teams with all 20 cars being seen out on track ahead of the blockbuster season opener in Bahrain on March 2.
Horner is expected to stick to his work commitments over the coming weeks as the team gears up for the start of the F1 season.
This will include media obligations including interviews where he is thought to face questions over his position and his team’s preparation for the season despite the huge distraction.
However, questions about the probe into Horner will likely be declined until the official investigation report is presented to Red Bull at their base in Austria.
Horner faced an eight-hour grilling last Friday with Red Bull bosses over the accusations but the results of the crunch talks have not been made public yet.
It is believed Horner’s future at Red Bull hangs in the balance despite the new F1 season starting in just weeks.
Horner – who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
It comes after Horner joined the Red Bull team at Silverstone for a secret test run of the new RB20 car on Tuesday.
F1 teams are allowed two filming days to capture content of their cars on track – and it also offers the potential to run the car for the first time.
Horner was surrounded by his fellow Red Bull team in the video smiling and laughing as they all stood outside of the garage in the pouring rain.
As he spoke alongside the retired racing driver, Horner said: ‘It’s a very inclusive culture, it’s a team culture’Credit: Red Bull
Horner described ‘keeping the team together’ during Mercedes’ period of dominanceCredit: Red Bull
Current world champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez arrivedCredit: Getty
The team unveiled their incredible car for the F1 season aheadCredit: Reuters
WHAT HAS BEEN CLAIMED?
F1 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.
It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
The Red Bull Racing boss, 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 last Friday.
The F1 chief was questioned for eight hours over his alleged “controlling behaviour”.
Horner forced a smile as he was picked up in a chauffeur-driven car from his North London home ahead of the critical hearing.
But 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”.
They also revealed the investigation is nowhere near its end – with it potentially dragging into the new F1 season.
The insider said: “This is not a trial and we are not going to have an answer and an outcome by the end of the day.

It comes as…

“This is not something that is going to be rectified that quickly.
“People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”
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.
A 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

Geri Halliwell fears the allegations will take a toll on her marriage
The couple are due to celebrate their 10th anniversary next year
Horner was pictured going to a meeting in London with Red Bull bosses over the allegationsCredit: Peter Jordan
Red Bull are yet to make a decision on Horner’s futureCredit: PA More