Red Bull 'worried' as Christian Horner fights to clear his name ahead of new F1 season

Red Bull 'worried' as Christian Horner fights to clear his name ahead of new F1 season

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up with Red Bull 'worried' amid Christian Horner probe

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 17/02/2024

- 11:45

The 50-year-old categorically denies allegations against him

Red Bull are reportedly 'worried' amid the current probe into Christian Horner as the 50-year-old fights to clear his name.

Horner has been accused of 'inappropriate behaviour' and, on Friday, it was alleged the F1 chief had sent sexual messages to an employee.


The 50-year-old strongly denies the allegations and has branded them 'nuts', with the Red Bull team principal also making it clear he wouldn't be resigning from his position.

Ford Motor Co. will become Red Bull's engine supplier in 2026.

Christian Horner Red Bull

Christian Horner denies the allegations against him with the Red Bull chief fighting to clear his name

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And Mark Rushbrook, the global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, has claimed the F1 side are 'worried' - while also making it clear all employees must behave with the right 'standards of behaviour and integrity.'

"As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners," he said.

"It appears to us, and what we've been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously.

"And, of course, they're worried about their brand as well.

"And that's why they've got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it's too early for us to comment on it all."

With the new F1 season creeping closer, Red Bull wanted the matter to be dealt with swiftly.

But there's a chance it could drag on as the team look to continue their recent dominance of the sport.

On Thursday, Red Bull launched their new RB20 vehicle that will be driven by the likes of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

Verstappen has won the title for the past three years, establishing himself as the best driver in the world in the process.

Horner appeared at the launch and said at a press conference that he 'fully denies' the claims against him, while also insisting he's set to continue working as normal.

"Obviously, there's a process that's ongoing at the moment," he said.

"Some allegations have been made which I fully deny and I comply, obviously, with that process and will continue to do so.

"I think it's been very clear and the position of Red Bull has been that it's business as normal.

"Obviously there's a job to do and I deny fully the accusations that have been made.

"My role obviously continues."

Christian Horner Red Bull

Christian Horner was present as Red Bull launched their new car on Thursday

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When asked if he plans on quitting his role, he added: "No, not at all. Absolutely not.

"I’m fully committed to this team, I’ve built this team, I’ve convinced people to come here and work here.

"I enjoy working with the team, with the people. The biggest asset of the team is the people and that continues to be the case."

There have also been rumours suggesting Horner's relationship with Verstappen's father, Jos, is 'badly damaged'.

But the 50-year-old insists that isn't the case.

Christian Horner

Christian Horner has shut down claims of a rift with Max Verstappen's father amid the current probe into the Red Bull chief

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"No not at all (there is no friction). I was with Jos and Max at Silverstone a couple of days ago," he added.

"Max is very focused on his job. He's been very supportive and I'm looking forward to the season ahead with him.

The support from the shareholders has been phenomenal and without that support we wouldn't be here. So no, that's not correct.

"There's always going to be speculation but we're together as one team, that's the way we've always been and that's the way we continue to be."

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