Is there going to be a shocking firing? Internal investigation underway against Red Bull boss, F1’s crazy winter break continues

The winter break in F1 brings so much that it is already being referred to as the start of a new season among fans and the professional community. The brutal Silly Season offers another shock – Red Bull is investigating its own boss Christian Horner. The final verdict is not yet known, but the likelihood of a shock sacking is high.

F1 has never seen such a Silly Season. Already at the beginning of 2024, Guenther Steiner was fired and the role of team boss at Haas was taken over by the current technical engineer Ayao Komatsu. Then the queen of motorsport disappointed its fans by confirming the hosting of the Madrid Grand Prix instead of the traditional Barcelona circuit.

The race in the Spanish capital will be held from 2026. On the other hand, in February, Formula 1 delighted fans of traditional circuits when its officials signed contract extensions with representatives of Japan’s Suzuka and Britain’s Silverstone circuits.

But then came more sad news when F1 rejected Andretti’s entry. Subsequently, Charles Leclerc extended his contract with Ferrari, signing a multi-year deal, while McLaren secured the services of the very fast driver Lando Norris.

And then Formula One was hit by the biggest bombshell, one of the biggest transfers in the history of the queen of motorsport. And that was when Mercedes officially announced the departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, which he will join from the 2025 season.

But just in case it wasn’t enough, Red Bull took care of another hard-to-believe affair. The Constructors’ Cup winner for the previous two seasons launched an internal investigation into its own boss Christian Horner on Monday. Allegedly for “inappropriate behaviour”.

F1’s crazy winter break continues, what will happen to Red Bull´s boss?

The news of Christian Horner’s investigation was originally reported by the Dutch media. Red Bull hired an outside body to investigate the allegations made against the team boss. Today, Friday 9th February, Horner underwent a hearing in London.

Although his fate was due to be decided on Friday. According to several reliable sources, we still have to wait for the final verdict. Reportedly, no official news of the sacking of the long-time team boss will surface in the coming hours.

The exact reason is reportedly transgressive behavior towards one particular person. Nothing further has been specified so far. Red Bull announced a few days ago that it is taking the whole matter really seriously. And does not want to comment too much on it for now.

Horner, however, has so far completely denied the allegations. The final verdict will decide whether one side or the other is right. And when can we expect it at the latest? Certainly by Thursday next week, when Red Bull will unveil the new car for the 2024 season.

What about the hierarchy at Red Bull?

Horner’s position at Red Bull, however, is quite complex. As well as being team boss, he also holds the position of managing director. However the F1 stable is owned by parent company Red Bull GmbH. On one side is Mark Mateschitz, son of the late Dietrich Mateschitz, one of the two founders of Red Bull. He owns 49 per cent of the company.

The remaining 51 per cent is owned by Thai Chalerm Yoovidhya, son of the late Vorayuth Yoovidhya, the other founder of Red Bull. It is therefore he who has the decision-making power, a man who is very close to Horner.

On the other hand, Horner himself is a man of Bernie Ecclestone, who has not exactly gained much sympathy with the current owner of F1’s commercial rights (Liberty Media). But one thing is almost certain already. If Red Bull does indeed resort to sacking, Horner won’t let it go without a fight. After all, he rejected the incentive to resign.

Source: F1, Motorsport.com, X