Red Bull Team Principal Under Investigation for Alleged Inappropriate Behavior

Red Bull‘s long-serving team principal, Christian Horner, is facing an internal investigation following allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a female colleague. The investigation, led by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the Red Bull Formula 1 team, was initiated after serious allegations were made against Horner by a Red Bull employee.

According to the Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf, the employee accused Horner of engaging in inappropriate and controlling behavior. In response to the allegations, Horner firmly denied them, stating, “I completely deny these claims.”

Red Bull GmbH issued a statement confirming the launch of an independent investigation, which is currently underway and being conducted by an external specialist barrister. The company emphasized its commitment to taking such matters seriously and pledged to complete the investigation promptly.

Christian Horner, who has been at the helm of Red Bull since 2005, has guided the team to six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ championships. Three of those drivers’ championships were secured consecutively by Max Verstappen since 2021. Horner, married to Spice Girl member Geri Halliwell, is the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1.

The allegations have garnered attention from Red Bull’s chief executive, Oliver Mintzlaff, who is treating them with utmost seriousness. The complaint lodged by the female colleague highlights concerns over Horner’s inappropriate and controlling behavior.

Christian Horner, who signed a contract extension until 2026 just last year, received a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list for his significant contributions to motorsport. Red Bull’s dominance was evident in 2023 when they secured 21 out of 22 Formula 1 races, granting Verstappen his third consecutive drivers’ championship title.

Red Bull is set to unveil its 2024 Formula 1 car at its headquarters in Milton Keynes on February 15. Christian Horner is expected to attend the launch. The upcoming Formula 1 season will feature a record-breaking 24 races, with the first race scheduled to take place on March 2 in Bahrain.