Christian Horner Scandal Investigation Goes Unnoticed Amidst Max Verstappen’s Race Victory in China

Will Christian Horner survive another round of investigation? Reportedly, the Brit underwent an inquiry during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. The 2024 pre-season was a chaotic time in Formula 1 as the community got hit by one big news after the other. Christian Horner, who has been leading Red Bull Racing since its early days, came under the spotlight for allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a female employee.

Red Bull GmbH, the Austrian wing of the Energy drink giant initiated an internal investigation against Horner, which lasted for 23 days. In the end, Red Bull Austria cleared Horner of any wrongdoing through a statement that left many puzzled by the lack of transparency from the organization.

However, it is now being reported that the case is set to be reopened after the complainant, who had been suspended following the investigation, challenged the verdict. It was reported that the whole situation was the result of an internal power struggle within Red Bull that came to light after the death of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

And while there were speculations that the Austrian side of the business wanted Christian Horner gone, other reports suggested that the Brit has close relations with the Thai side of the business owners, especially the majority Red Bull shareholder, Chalerm Yoovidhya, who favored Horner in the investigation. Hence, the lack of transparency.

However, this time around the investigation is being carried out by a different investigator who was supposed to question the accuser and Christian Horner during the Chinese GP weekend as reported by oe24.at. But the investigation supposedly went under the radar amidst the on-track dominance of Max Verstappen, who won both the Sprint race and the main race on Sunday.

But why was there a lack of clarity surrounding the investigation in the first place?

Christian Horner explained why he doesn’t have the ‘liberty’ to talk about the case

When Red Bull GmbH cleared Horner without giving any sort of evidence for his innocence, voices were raised regarding the lack of transparency. Some of the most influential figures in the F1 paddock like the Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff, and McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown raised concerns over the investigation process. Even Red Bull’s future engine partner, Ford, raised similar concerns.

Eventually, Horner had to address the situation. Speaking to the media ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Brit explained, “There is a grievance process that takes place in any company and that process is confidential between the individuals and the company itself. I’m not at liberty, unfortunately, due to those confidentiality [concerns] and out of respect to the company and, of course, the other party, that we’re all bound by the same restrictions. And so even if I would like to talk about it, I can’t because of those confidentiality restrictions.”

There has not been any report that explains what went down in the inquiry in China yet. But we’ll bring you any updates as and when they come. What are your thoughts on the matter?