F1 leaves Bahrain for Saudi Arabia but the focus will remain firmly on Horner
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen opened the 2024 Formula 1 season with another commanding victory but it is the controversy surrounding his Red Bull team that provided the headlines in Bahrain. Here, we answer some of the key questions…
What’s going on and when did it all start?
Red Bull Racing's parent company Red Bull Gmbh announced on February 5 that team principal Christian Horner was being investigated following an accusation of "inappropriate behaviour" by a female colleague. Horner emphatically denied the claim and the 50-year-old stayed in his post after Red Bull confirmed that the grievance had been dismissed last week.
But, just 24 hours later, messages and a number of images apparently exchanged between Horner and the complainant were sent from an anonymous email account to 149 members of the F1 paddock - including FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and the grid's nine other team principals, as well as members of the media - on the eve of the race in Bahrain.
What did Horner have to say about the email?
The Red Bull boss, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri, released a statement as news of the anonymous email broke. "I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations," it read. "I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully co-operated with it every step of the way. It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made. I remain focused on the start of the season."
What impact did it have on the team over the race weekend?
On the surface, at least, very little. Verstappen put his Red Bull on pole position and bar an early charge from the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, the Dutchman never looked like being challenged on race day. He did, however, say after qualifying that Horner had been "a little bit distracted" and was twice asked if he had full confidence in his boss - not offering a definitive answer to either question.
Race won, case closed?
Not at all, no. Not only does the complainant have a right to appeal against the decision to allow Horner to continue but Verstappen's father - former F1 driver Jos - has said he believes the situation "is driving people apart". Verstappen Snr added: "There is tension here while he [Horner] remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. it can' t go on the way it is. it will explode. he is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems ." red bull dismissed such claims, saying the team remains "united". So what happens next?
The teams are currently preparing for the second race of the new season in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this weekend. Verstappen will face the media tomorrow, when he will be asked about his father's comments. His reply could set the tone for the weekend. Horner willagain aim to keep things focused on the track.