Max Verstappen’s dad calls for Christian Horner to be sacked before Red Bull ‘explodes’ over scandal
'He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.'
The father of Max Verstappen has called for Christian Horner to be sacked over the scandal revolving around the Red Bull team principal.
Horner was under investigation after an employee of the Red Bull F1 team accused him of ‘inappropriate behaviour’, but he was cleared of the allegations on the eve of the 2024 season.
The scandal is far from over however after many texts and images related to the probe were leaked to the media, including the Metro, and F1 personnel.
The 50-year-old has maintained his innocence throughout, and was supported by his wife, the former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, at the F1 season opener in Bahrain, which was won by Max Verstappen by a huge margin.
Horner also defiantly said post-race that he would remain in charge of Red Bull and was already looking ahead to the next race in Saudi Arabia in a week’s time, though that won’t please Jos Verstappen.
Speaking to Mail Sport, the former F1 driver, a figure of controversy himself, said: ‘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.
Christian Horner investigation - what we know
- Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was under investigation over allegations of 'controlling behaviour'.
- Allegations made by female employee of Red Bull concern Horner's ‘strict and controlling work regime’.
- Horner said he 'fully denies any accusations', and was reportedly 'shocked and disturbed' by the allegations.
- 50-year-old is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.
- Halliwell said to be in 'floods of tears' over investigation but will stand by her husband despite warnings of a potential 'toxic tinge'.
- Horner attended Red Bull's 2024 car launch at the team's HQ in Milton Keynes and publicly addressed allegations for first time.
- Hearing has been held into the matter, with independent lawyer handing in a 150 page dossier to Red Bull.
- Horner was cleared of allegations on eve of new F1 season with Red Bull saying: 'The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal.'
- WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel - Metro have seen the material but cannot comment on what they detail.
- Horner has met with F1's CEO and the President of the FIA following the leaked messages, which have left Halliwell 'stunned and humiliated'.
- Lewis Hamilton described investigation as ‘a really important moment for the sport – to make sure that we stand true to our values.’
‘It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.’
During the scandal’s early days, it was rumoured that the allegations could have been in part orchestrated by enemies of Horner within Red Bull amid reports of a power struggle at the reigning champions.
Last year, tensions were said to be high between the likes of Horner, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko, ownership and the Verstappens.
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded...
Monday 5 February - Red Bull confirm investigation into Horner over 'controlling behaviour' allegations
Friday 9 February - Horner grilled by independent lawyer during eight-hour hearing
Thursday 15 February - Horner attends Red Bull's 2024 car launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time - says he 'fully denies' any wrongdoing
Friday 16 February - Fresh allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner sent messages of a 'suggestive nature' to a female employee
Wednesday 21 February to Friday 23 February - Horner attends Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain - says: ‘We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible’
Friday 23 February - Sixth series of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix - Horner and wife Geri Halliwell feature in docuseries
Wednesday 28 February - Horner cleared of allegations - Red Bull say: 'The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal'
Thursday 29 February to Saturday 2 March - Formula 1 season gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix
Thursday 29 February - WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel
Friday 1 March - Horner summoned for showdown talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem
As such, there is suggestion that Verstappen could well have had something to do with the shocking leak of the confidential materials.
According to the Mail, Verstappen had a blazing row in Horner’s paddock office after his son had claimed pole in qualifying on Friday.
The Dutchman stormed out of a meeting with the team boss before returning to ‘reluctantly shake hands’.
But Jos Verstappen refuted claims that he has had any part in the matter, stating: ‘That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?’
More to follow…
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