F1 wants 'clarity' amid explosive $1.25m cover-up claims

UPDATED: F1 bosses have demanded “clarity” on the deepening crisis surrounding embattled Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

The sport has remained silent since news of an investigation into Horner’s “inappropriate conduct” broke a fortnight ago. But F1 bosses have now issued a hurry-up of sorts just days before cars hit the track for pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Until now, the allegations against Horner were alleged to have been about his aggressive management style.

But Dutch publication De Telegraaf – which broke the original story of the investigation – have published explosive new allegations the investigation was indeed of a sexual nature, and that Horner had tried to cover it up by making a $1.25 million hush offer to the employee.

The publication claimed to have seen WhatsApp messages of a sexual nature between Horner and the employee, sent over a considerable period of time.

It also claimed the messages were presented to the external barrister conducting the investigation, who was hired by the energy drinks giant following the initial complaint in December 2023.

Horner continues to staunchly deny the allegations.

“We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process,” a statement from F1 read.

“We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing.

“We will not comment further at this time.”

The 50-year-old Horner has not been stood down from his position, which he has held since Red Bull entered the sport in 2005.

He was in attendance at the team’s car launch last week, where he addressed the allegations for the first time and maintained it was “business as usual” at the team’s Milton Keynes base.

Meanwhile, executives at Ford – who will enter F1 as Red Bull’s engine suppliers from 2026 – are monitoring the situation.

“As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners,” global head of Ford Performance Motorsport Mark Rushbrook said.

“It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.

“And that’s why they’ve got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on it all.”

Horner has guided the team to six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ championships during his time at the top. Max Verstappen has won the drivers’ title in each of the last three seasons. The team won all but one of the 22 races last year.

Horner is married to Geri Halliwell, better known as Ginger Spice of the female pop group The Spice Girls.

F1 pre-season testing will get underway in Bahrain late Wednesday (AEDT), before the season-opening Grand Prix at the same venue on March 3 (AEDT).

– With AP