Regarding rumours that Christian Horner may be fired before this month’s Australian Grand Prix, Red Bull has responded. The long-serving team principal is still under scrutiny even though an investigation into claims of unethical behaviour revealed no wrongdoing.
The beverage business has since suspended the female Red Bull employee who made the complaint. Horner, who vehemently denies any wrongdoing, participated in the 2024 season opener in Bahrain and carried out his primary team duties this past weekend in Saudi Helmut Marko.
But there are still problems behind the scenes, as Red Bull driver Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, has openly asked on Horner to resign. It is thought that Chalerm Yoodivhya, the majority owner of Red Bull, has continued to support Horner throughout the story.
However, a report from F1-Insider on Sunday stated that the billionaire Thai is starting to change his mind and is considering firing Horner before the race, along with other well-known Red Bull officials Mark Mateschitz and Oliver Mintzlaff.
A Red Bull spokesperson has since played down those bombshell claims, saying: “As Christian has said, he is grateful for the full support of the shareholders and that remains the case.”
The first two races of the 2024 season have been a case of dominance on the track and turbulence off it for Red Bull. Verstappen comfortably cruised to victory in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia amid a backdrop of uncertainty at the reigning constructors’ champions.
As speculation about Horner’s future started to fade, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko disclosed in Jeddah that the driver would likely face punishment. Then Verstappen made a threat to quit the team in the event that his steadfast buddy was removed.
After speaking with the CEO of Red Bull, Marko has decided to stay on. However, there is still friction because it is thought that Marko changed his return flight from Jeddah in order to avoid going with Horner.
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