As the 2024 F1 season arrives, Red Bull remains a dominant force on the grid. The team is missing out on a second successive constructors’ championship, while Verstappen is coming off a fantastic season in which he won his third consecutive drivers’ championship and won 19 of 22 Grands Prix. With Sergio Perez winning two races and finishing second in the drivers’ standings, Red Bull have all but dominated the season and look set for another strong effort in 2024.
However, much of the discussion in recent days has centered on team principal Christian Horner’s future.
Earlier this month, reports emerged of Red Bull’s internal investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behavior” by Horner. The investigation was led by outside lawyers, according to both media reports and a brief statement from the team. As part of that investigation, Horner had a lengthy interview with investigators earlier this month. Throughout the process, the Red Bull team boss insisted he had done nothing wrong.
According to the team, the investigation has been concluded and the Red Bull team principal has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
in Statement issued by Red Bull GmbHRed Bull Racing’s parent company said: “The complaint has been dismissed.”
“The independent investigation into the allegations against Mr. Horner has been completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed. The complainant has the right to appeal. Red Bull confirms that the investigation was fairly rigorous and fair. We are confident that the investigation report is confidential and contains personal information of parties and third parties who cooperated with the investigation, so out of respect for all involved, we will refrain from commenting further.”
The announcement comes just days after the team unveiled its challenger for the 2024 F1 season, the RB20, during a streamed event from its Milton Keynes factory. Horner attended the event to discuss the investigation with the media.
“Obviously there’s an investigation going on and I’m obviously responding to it and cooperating fully with it. I mean, there are so many things going on in the background as we prepare for the upcoming season. Things are happening. There were inevitably distractions,” Horner said. recognized by the media. “But the team is very united. Everyone is focused on the season ahead, so we’ve been operating pretty much as usual, and the support has been great.”
Horner then traveled to Bahrain with the team for F1 pre-season testing last week. Horner was asked numerous questions about the investigation at an FIA press conference, but declined to comment About what he called an ongoing “process.”
“As you know, there’s a process going on that I’m also a part of. But unfortunately I can’t comment on that because I’m also part of that process.” Horner said.. In a subsequent answer, he said:[l]Sorry, I can’t comment on process or timescales. Obviously everyone wants a conclusion as soon as possible, but I’m not at liberty to comment on that process. ”
Horner is expected to remain Red Bull team principal.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated as needed.
