Red Bull chief breaks silence on Christian Horner investigation

Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are involved in a reported power struggle at Red Bull (Photo: Getty)

Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko has spoken out for the first time since the allegations against F1 team boss Christian Horner were made

As expected however, he did not divulge any information into the ongoing investigation.

Last week, it was revealed that Horner was being investigated after a female employee of Red Bull accused him of ‘controlling behaviour’.

Horner, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, ‘completely denies’ the claims and was subject to an eight-hour grilling by an independent lawyer last Friday.

Red Bull had hoped that the matter could be resolved prior to the launch of their 2024 car on Thursday night, but it is said that the investigation could rumbler on for several more weeks.

On Tuesday, the 50-year-old was at Silverstone as three-time champion Max Verstappen drove his new car for the first time and was pictured chatting to and laughing with members of the team.

Red Bull have not commented publicly on the matter since their initial statement which read: ‘After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.

Horner has been married to Geri Halliwell since 2015 (Photo: Getty)

‘This process, which is already underway, 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.’

But Marko, the head of the team’s driver development programme, was asked on Wednesday whether Horner would be present at the launch.

Christian Horner investigation – what we know

• Halliwell said to be in ‘floods of tears’ over investigation but will stand by her husband despite warnings of a potential ‘toxic tinge’.

• Hearing has been held into the matter but no decision on Horner’s future is expected for at least several weeks, and investigation may not be over before the start of the new F1 season.

‘I can’t tell you that and I can’t say anything else on this subject,’ the 80-year-old told OE24.

‘As long as the investigation is ongoing or there is no result, you won’t hear anything from me. It is an ongoing process.’

The reigning F1 champions have since confirmed that team principal Horner will be attending the launch of the RB20 from their base in Milton Keynes.

Supporters of Horner claim that the investigation is linked to the reported power struggle within Red Bull, of which both Horner and the controversial Marko are a part of.

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