The 2024 F1 season has gotten off to a great start for Red Bull.
It’s on the track.
Max Verstappen stormed out of the race at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, taking pole position on Friday and not only winning the race but also securing the fastest lap and dominating the weekend. His teammate Sergio Perez finished second, giving Red Bull a strong start to their title defense as they secured a second consecutive front row spot in Bahrain.
Again, it’s all on the track.
But off the course, the story is much different. Internal turmoil at Red Bull has given the impression that F1’s dominant team is on the verge of being torn apart, with rumors flying around team principal Christian Horner and various parties fighting in the media. ing.
What the heck is going on at Red Bull?
The latest scandal began with an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behavior” by Horner himself. In early February, reports emerged that Horner was being investigated internally by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing, for alleged “inappropriate conduct”. The team’s parent company released the following short statement:
“After becoming aware of certain recent allegations, the company has launched an independent investigation. This process is already underway and is being carried out by external specialist lawyers. The company takes these matters extremely seriously. We plan to complete our investigation as soon as possible.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
Then, on February 9, Horner met with an outside lawyer hired by Red Bull to conduct the investigation, a meeting that lasted about nine hours.
Horner denies the accusations and attended the team’s RB20 launch event on February 15th. The team representative continued to deny the allegations.. “I’m going through the process and I fully respect it. It’s business as usual for me and I’m focused on the season ahead,” he said at the time. “Of course it’s a distraction for the team, but the team is very united.”
As the investigation dragged on without being resolved, those involved intensified the investigation. The sport’s commercial rights holder, Formula One Management (FOM), was first out of the gate on February 18, issuing a short statement hoping for a fair and speedy resolution to the issue. “We look forward to a fair and thorough process to resolve this matter at the earliest opportunity and will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Then there was a thunderclap from the Ford. The manufacturer, which plans to partner with Red Bull on power units for the 2026 season, expressed its dissatisfaction on February 26. In a letter from CEO Jim Farley to the team, the Ford president said the company is “increasingly frustrated by the lack of power units.” Notice of resolution or clear instructions from you as to when a fair and just resolution of this matter is expected. ”
The prompt might have worked. Two days later, on February 28, Red Bull released a statement dismissing the charges against Horner.
“The independent investigation into the allegations against Mr. Horner has been completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaints have been dismissed.
“Plaintiffs have the right to appeal.
“Red Bull is confident that the investigation was fair, rigorous and impartial.
“As the investigation report is confidential and contains personal information of parties and third parties who cooperated with the investigation, out of respect for all involved, we will refrain from commenting further.” We will continue to strive to meet workplace standards. ”
It’s important to note here that language is important. Many have said the investigation has “cleared” Horner of wrongdoing, but note Red Bull’s careful wording. A statement from Red Bull Racing’s parent company simply said: “We have no complaints.” [against Horner] “I was fired,” he said, but that doesn’t mean the team principal is innocent of any wrongdoing. Was the complaint dismissed because Mr. Horner did nothing wrong, or because the conduct did not rise to the level that warranted termination? These questions are largely unanswered. Many in the paddock, including several team principals, have called for greater transparency.
The next day, Horner returned to Bahrain for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. He spoke briefly to the media about the investigation. “Obviously I can’t comment on that.” Horner said. sky sports news. “[I’m] Now I’m focused on the Grand Prix, the season ahead and defending both titles. The process has now been completed and we are unable to comment further. I’m happy to be here in Bahrain and am focused on the season ahead.
“Within the team, [unity has] It never got stronger. ”
But on that very day, people in the F1 world, from members of the media to team principals and even FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, were informed that documents related to the investigation had been released. I was sent an email with a Google Drive link that purported to containmeanwhile SB Nation Although not included in the communication, various media outlets that were included noted that Google Drive documents show conversations between Horner and the plaintiffs involved in the initial investigation.Authenticity of documents containing screenshots whatsapp The conversation has not been independently verified by any media outlet that had access to it.
On March 1, the first qualifying session of the 2024 F1 season took place, but Horner again announced his refusal. He spoke ahead of this week’s third practice session and after a purported investigation document was released to selected members of the F1 world. Horner spoke to the media “We do not intend to comment on anonymous speculation from unknown sources.”
Friday and Saturday in Bahrain were “business as usual” for the team as Verstappen took pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix and Horner led the Bulls to a one-two finish in the race. Horner joined his wife Geri Halliwell in Bahrain and spoke to the media before the Grand Prix.[i]It has been very challenging for the family, but we are very strong as a family and focused on this race. ”
But just when you thought the problem was resolved, you were wrong. Because the events of the last few days have only raised the temperature at Red Bull. Jos Verstappen, former F1 driver and father of Max Verstappen, slammed Horner in an interview. Daily Mail. “There is tension here while he remains in that position.” old Verstappen said. “The team is on the verge of collapse. We can’t continue like this. It’s going to explode. He’s playing the victim when he’s the one causing the problem.”
After this article was published, reports emerged that the elder Verstappen and Horner had a tense and animated meeting in the Red Bull paddock before the Bahrain Grand Prix. sky italy released In a short 19-second video of the meeting, Horner can be seen gesturing repeatedly during the discussion.
Perhaps this is the event that most aroused enthusiasm for Horner?of revelations of the past few days The young Verstappen, who is under contract with Red Bull until the 2028 season, has an “escape clause” in his contract with Red Bull that allows him to leave if Dr. Helmut Marko, the team’s senior advisor and the driving force behind the Red Bull contract, leaves. A few years ago, Verstappen left the team. Adds what Marco told the media.[a]As far as I’m concerned, I won’t get in Max’s way. [should he decide to leave],” this weekThere are also reports that Jos Verstappen sat with Toto Wolff in Bahrain, and there are plenty of rumors that Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull to drive for Mercedes next year.
After all, Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes for Ferrari in the 2025 season, so there is a seat available at Mercedes for next season. Although Mr. Wolff admits to some extent,regret” Given that they were unable to sign Verstappen at the time, they wanted nothing more than to lure Verstappen to the Brackley-based outlet. Wolff downplayed the meeting, pointing out that he and Jos Verstappen have known each other for more than 20 years, but when asked about the rumors about Max and Mercedes: Added “[e]Anything is possible. ”
With these recent developments, Horner meets with Verstappen’s agent He hopes to ease tensions within the squad in Dubai on Monday.
That’s…a lot.
On track, the season got off to an almost perfect start for Red Bull. The team and Verstappen are picking up where they left off after a dominant 2023 season, with the rest of the field vying for points behind him.
But behind the scenes, things are far from perfect. Rumors swirl and battles of wills unfold in the paddock, with some sayingcivil war” that’s what our team is thinking. And the possibility of Verstappen making a surprise move to Mercedes certainly looks like a chip that could decide the outcome of that struggle.
After all, everything is possible.
