For once, all eyes in the world of Formula 1 racing are not focused on the circuit, but on what is happening next to it. Christian Horner (50) is under heavy fire. He is the longest-serving team principal of the current ten F1 teams and has a remarkable track record of success with seven drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships with the Red Bull team.
But last month he found himself in the eye of the storm when it was revealed that Red Bull had launched an investigation after a female employee accused the F1 boss of inappropriate behavior. At the time there was a ‘show of power and controlling behavior’. “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company initiated an independent investigation. This process, which has already been initiated, is carried out by an external specialized lawyer. The company takes these matters very seriously and the investigation will be completed as quickly as practicable,” it said in early February.
Three weeks ago, Horner was questioned for hours by the lawyer. The Red Bull boss continued to insist that there was nothing to the allegations and therefore had no intention of resigning. “I am absolutely committed to this team, I have been here since the beginning, I have built this team,” he said at the introduction of this year’s car. “My focus is on the future.”
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READ ALSO. Christian Horner scandal continues to fester: anonymous source leaks the evidence
Christian Horner (Left) has been team boss at Red Bull since 2005. — © REUTERS
More transparency
On Wednesday they came to a decision at Red Bull. “The independent investigation into the allegations against Mr Horner has been completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed,” it said. “Red Bull is confident that the investigation was fair, rigorous and impartial.” The company would not release further details.
For Red Bull it was a settled matter. Much to the frustration of many within the F1 world. F1 driver Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff, boss of the Mercedes team, among others, called for more transparency because the matter was “hanging over the head of the entire sport”. And car manufacturer Ford, which wants to join Red Bull by 2026, is also not completely satisfied with how the matter was handled.
READ ALSO. Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner acquitted of sexual misconduct: “I’m just happy”
Masturbation on the plane
And there are others who share that opinion. Less than 24 hours after Horner’s ‘acquittal’, someone took matters into their own hands. An email was sent to 149 journalists, F1 bosses and other prominent figures in the world on Thursday afternoon. “Christian Horner Research Evidence,” was the subject of the email. “Further to Red Bull’s recent investigation and statements, you may be interested in the attached material,” the email continued. Attached were 79 files in a folder on Google Drive. The majority are screenshots of WhatsApp conversations, probably conducted between Horner and his employee.
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Dozens of Horner’s WhatsApp conversations were leaked to the media on Thursday. — © AP
In the conversations – which could not yet be verified – there is some flirting back and forth and it is noticeable that Horner regularly asks for sexually suggestive photos. There is also talk about a masturbation session on the plane. “I really want you today,” is one of the messages reportedly sent by the F1 boss.
At one point the woman indicates that Horner is going too far, at which point he says he is trying to understand where the line lies. The woman answers that he should ask himself: “Would Geri approve of me saying/thinking/doing this?”
READ ALSO. F1 pilot Max Verstappen understands that the situation surrounding team boss Christian Horner is “being used”: “We would do that too”
Marriage to Spice Girl
That ‘Geri’ is Geri Halliwell (55), member of the pop group Spice Girls and Horner’s wife since 2015. Sources told British tabloids that Halliwell feels “humiliated” and “has collapsed” over the leaked messages. “Geri is devastated and has trouble eating and sleeping. Her family and fellow Spice Girls are worried about her,” a source said last week.
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The couple tied the knot in 2015. — © AP
Horner himself continues to deny that there is anything wrong with it. “I don’t comment on anonymous speculation,” he said. “But I reiterate that I have always denied the allegations, that I have respected the integrity of the independent investigation and that I have cooperated fully every step of the way. It was a thorough and fair investigation, carried out by an independent, specialist lawyer, and it concluded with a dismissal of the complaint submitted. I remain fully focused on the start of the season.”
The first race of the season will take place in Bahrain on Saturday and all eyes will undoubtedly be on the Red Bull team boss.