‘Damaging new allegations’ against Christian Horner are reportedly set to be revealed this week, as is the identity of the female Red Bull employee at the heart of the scandal.
But on the eve of the new Formula 1 season, texts and images supposedly related to the probe were leaked.
Horner put on a defiant show during the F1 season opener in Bahrain, with his wife, the former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, there to support him.
But despite his and his team’s best efforts to move on from the matter, the pressureis growing on Horner, not least after Jos Verstappen, father of three-time champion and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, publicly called for Horner to be sacked.
Verstappen has even gone so far as to privately suggest that his son could leave Red Bull if Horner stays, and comes after he had a ‘blazing row’ with the 50-year-old after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix last Friday.
Footage of said argument has now emerged, though what their discussion entailed is not known.
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
Saturday 2 March – Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, warns Red Bull Racing ‘is in danger of being torn apart’ unless Horner leaves
Meanwhile, it is said that Horner is about to be hit with new allegations courtesy of BusinessF1 Magazine who are set to publish a 19-page investigation into the case in the new few days.
Perhaps must significantly, it names the female employee whom Horner was in contact with in.
Christian Horner investigation – what we know
Sources close to Horner and Red Bull have dismissed the article however, and said it is ‘full of inaccuracies’.
Whole scandal show no sign of slowing down as the F1 season continues this week with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Jos Verstappen will not be in attendance though this is not to do with his comments as he was already slated to miss the race as he is taking par in a Rally in Belgium.
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