Christian Horner‘s position as head of the Red Bull Formula 1 team appears to be at risk after an allegation emerged of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.
A report from Dutch outlet De Telegraaf states a Red Bull employee has made serious allegations about the team principal to the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH.
A separate report in The Times states the complaint came from a female colleague and concerns “inappropriate, controlling behaviour.” The allegations are being treated seriously by Red Bull chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff.
Horner, 50, who has been Red Bull team principal since 2005, will remain in his role during the investigation and strongly denies the accusation. When approached by The Independent, Red Bull Racing refused to comment on the matter.
The Red Bull F1 chief is married to Spice Girl member Geri Horner and is the longest-serving team principal on the F1 grid, having been at the helm for six constructors’ championship victories and seven drivers’ championship triumphs – three for Max Verstappen and four for Sebastian Vettel.
Horner, who back in 2021 signed a contract extension at Red Bull until 2026, was made a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to motorsport, having previously received an OBE in 2013.
Red Bull won 21 out of 22 races in 2023 in their most successful year so far in Formula 1, with Verstappen storming to his third-straight championship.
Red Bull GmbH said in a statement on Monday: "After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
“This process, which is already underway, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time."
The team are due to launch their 2024 Formula 1 car next Thursday, 15 February, at their headquarters in Milton Keynes. Horner is scheduled to appear.
The first race of the 2024 F1 season – featuring a record 24 races – is on Saturday 2 March in Bahrain.