Formula One’s dire situation The Red Bull squad is adamant that it is “united” despite Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen’s father, saying the team is “in danger of being torn apart” if Christian Horner continues to lead.
Defiant after watching Verstappen lead a one-two finish from teammate Sergio Perez at the inaugural round in Bahrain, Horner declared he is “absolutely confident” he will remain Red Bull’s manager for the rest of the season.
In the last few weeks, Horner has been under close examination due to accusations made against him by a female coworker. Horner consistently refuted the allegations.
However, Verstappen Sr. fueled the flames even more by saying, in an interview with the Daily Mail newspaper after Saturday’s 57-lap race: “There is tension here while he (Horner) remains in
A Red Bull Racing representative responded to Verstappen Sr.’s remarks on Sunday by telling the PA news agency, “There are no issues here.” The team is cohesive, and our primary goal is to win.”
Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing, cleared Horner during a remarkable week in Bahrain after an internal investigation on claims of “inappropriate behaviour.”
However, the F1 community then discovered that Horner and the complainant had exchanged hundreds of WhatsApp messages.
There have been rumours circulating that Verstappen Sr., who does not work for Red Bull Racing, is trying to have Horner fired.
The three-time world champion of Red Bull’s father, 51, went on, nevertheless, saying, “That wouldn’t make sense.” Why would I act in such way?
Horner strode hand-in-hand with wife Geri in the paddock one hour and 45 minutes before Saturday’s race.
Red Bull’s majority shareholder, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, also joined the duo on the team’s terrace in a public show of support for Horner.
Speaking after the chequered flag had fallen, Horner was asked if he is confident he will stay on as Red Bull team principal for the rest of the season. He replied: “Absolutely. Absolutely.”
He continued: “I have the support of an incredible family, an incredible wife, an incredible team and everybody within that team.
“And my focus is on going racing, winning races, and doing the best I can.
“It was a day about starting the season in the best possible way. My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and racing.”
Horner was also quizzed about the leaked Google file which was sent from an anonymous email account to 149 members of the F1 paddock – including FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and the grid’s nine other team principals, as well as members of the media.
“I am not going to comment on anonymous speculative messages from an unknown source,” Horner said. “I am not going to comment on what motives whatever person may have for doing this.
“Obviously, it has not been pleasant with some of the unwanted attention, but the focus is very much on the cars and my focus has been on what is happening on track and the result (on Saturday) demonstrates where the focus is and we move onwards.
“There was a full, lengthy internal process that was completed by an independent KC and the grievance that was raised was dismissed. End of. Move on.”
Horner is set to be back in the spotlight on Thursday when the cars hit the track in practice for the next round in Saudi Arabia.
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