HORNER WON’T BE CORNERED

Defiant Christian fights on despite misconduct allegations declaring: I am totally committed to Red Bull

CHRISTIAN HORNER has come out fighting and confirmed his long-term future with Red Bull.

The team principal is facing misconduct allegations and is at the centre of an internal investigation with his job under threat.

But Horner did not hide away – and he was keen to show that it was business as usual at yesterday’s launch of Red Bull’s new car.

Horner said: “I’m absolutely committed to this team.

“I’ve been here since the beginning, I built this team, there’s been highs and lows along the way. We’ve won 113 races, we’ve won seven drivers’ world championships, we’ve won six constructors’ world championships in 19 seasons.

“And that’s in the history books now – but it’s what lies ahead that’s always important.

“And so my focus is on the future, is on Red Bull Powertrains, operating a start-up engine business. We have an advanced technology business that is going to be producing the first Red Bull track car.

“And of course, there’s an awful lot going on on the campus and investment as you can see.”

Despite the allegations, Horner is content with the support received from top figures in the Red Bull organisation.

And the 50-year-old insisted that the team’s drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are also fully behind him.

He added: “We’re one team. The support from the shareholders I’ve had has been fantastic.

“The support from the shareholders following the death of Dietrich Mateschitz, again you can see the commitment there is to Formula One, to Red Bull Powertrains, to advanced technologies, the track car we’re producing with Adrian Newey. We’re one team and that support has been very clear.”

Horner is unsure when the investigation will end – but did confirm he will be present at pre-season testing in Bahrain next Wednesday.

He was also quick to brush off concerns that the speculation concerning his future is serving as a distraction to the team.

He added: “At moments of uncertainty it brings the team together, and I’ve never seen a team more together, or more supportive than it is. Everybody is focused on one thing, which is the performance of that car, to go out and defend both of the world titles that we’ve worked so hard to achieve over the last couple of years.

“So the car is what everybody is invested in, and I look forward to seeing it in action in Bahrain next week.”

‘It’s what lies ahead that is important. My focus is the future’