Christian Horner, the long-standing team principal of Red Bull Racing, has been embroiled in a controversy that has cast a shadow over the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The allegations, which first surfaced in early 2024, center around claims of inappropriate behavior and sexually suggestive communications with a female employee.
The Allegations and Investigation
In February 2024, Red Bull initiated an internal investigation following accusations from a female staff member who alleged that Horner had engaged in controlling behavior. The investigation, led by an independent barrister, concluded on February 28, 2024, with Horner being cleared of the allegations. However, the situation took a dramatic turn the following day when a series of sexually suggestive messages purportedly exchanged between Horner and the accuser were leaked to prominent F1 officials and media outlets .
Despite the leak, Horner maintained his innocence, stating that he had always denied the allegations and had fully cooperated with the investigation . Red Bull’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, also stood by the investigation’s findings, emphasizing that the matter was private and would not comment further .
Fallout and Internal Tensions
The controversy has not only affected Horner’s personal reputation but also exposed internal divisions within Red Bull Racing. Notably, key figures such as chief designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley departed from the team, while others received promotions, indicating potential shifts in team dynamics .
Additionally, the leak of the messages and the subsequent fallout have led to tensions between Red Bull’s Austrian headquarters and the Thai side, which owns a majority stake in the company. Reports suggest that while the Austrian faction favored Horner’s removal, the Thai side, backed by major shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, supported his retention .
Public and Peer Reactions
The scandal has also attracted attention from other figures within the F1 community. Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, publicly stated that the controversy was causing division within the team and suggested that Horner should step down . Meanwhile, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and McLaren’s Zak Brown called for greater transparency regarding the investigation, highlighting the broader concerns about governance and accountability in the sport .
As the 2025 season progresses, the lingering effects of the Horner scandal continue to influence both the internal workings of Red Bull Racing and the broader Formula 1 landscape. While Horner remains in his position for now, the situation underscores the complexities of leadership and accountability in high-profile sports organizations.