What we know about Red Bull’s investigation into Christian Horner allegations

Team principal Christian Horner is under investigation by his Red Bull team following an allegation of “inappropriate behaviour”.

The 50-year-old has overseen six constructors’ world championship wins with Oracle Red Bull Racing since 2005. He oversaw a record-breaking 2023 season in which Red Bull won 21 of 22 grand prix races, with Max Verstappen clinching a third world title.

Horner is married to Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell and received an OBE for services to motorsport in 2013.

i runs through what we know about these fresh claims, Red Bull’s investigation and what the team and Horner have said.

What are the allegations Horner is facing?

Horner and Red Bull have been rocked by the allegations which first appeared in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The Times reports that the allegation – which is that Horner behaved in an “inappropriate” manner towards a colleague – has been made by a female member of Red Bull staff, who has lodged a complaint to the Austria-based drinks company. It is understood that senior Red Bull managers were made aware of the claim.

Horner said: “I completely deny these claims.”

No further details have as yet been revealed. A Red Bull statement said: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.

“This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

Start of 2024 F1 season and Horner’s future

Red Bull are due to unveil and launch their new car for the 2024 season on 15 February at their headquarters in Milton Keynes, with Horner expected to make an appearance.

That’s ahead of the new Formula One season which starts in Bahrain on 2 March, with Red Bull looking to defend their crown and win a fourth successive championship.

The outcome of the investigation remains to be seen, as does whether it affects Horner’s future at Red Bull or in the sport more generally.