Enlarge image
Christian Horner (l.)
Photo:
Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Red Bull is investigating an allegation against its Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner for allegedly inappropriate behavior. The company has launched an “independent investigation” into “recent allegations,” as a spokesman confirmed to several media outlets. The process is already underway and is being carried out by an external specialist lawyer, it said. Red Bull did not provide any details about the allegations.
The British newspaper The Times and the Dutch paper De Telegraaf reported that Horner had been accused of inappropriate behavior by a colleague who had complained to the team's parent company, RB.
Horner completely rejected the allegations in De Telegraaf. The newspaper was the first to report on the case and, according to its own account, relies on several sources. Red Bull said in its statement that it was taking the matter "extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as possible." Further comments are not appropriate at this time. The racing team did not comment on the allegations.
Unrest shortly before the start of the season
Three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen drives for Red Bull. Horner has been team boss since Red Bull joined in 2005 and is therefore the longest-serving leader. Under him, Sebastian Vettel became world champion from 2010 to 2013, and Verstappen won the drivers' title in the past three years. Last year, several media outlets reported on a power struggle with RB Motorsport boss Helmut Marko, which was said to have been about the division of tasks.
Red Bull will present its new Formula 1 car on February 15th, and the first Grand Prix of the year will take place on March 2nd in Bahrain.
ast/dpa/Reuters