Controversy continues to swirl around Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner just a day after he was cleared of wrongdoing following an internal investigation by parent company Red Bull GmbH.
On Thursday, a potentially explosive twist emerged when a dossier of alleged evidence related to the case was anonymously leaked to key figures within Formula 1.
The leak, originating from two anonymous email addresses, included a link to a Google Drive folder containing the documents, including text messages and pictures.
The email stated, "Following Red Bull's recent investigation and statements you will be interested to see the materials attached."
This email was sent to a wide range of individuals, encompassing senior figures from Formula 1 and the FIA, team principals, accredited media, and even Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.
Red Bull has yet to confirm the authenticity of the leaked documents, leaving their legitimacy in question. However, the act of distributing them clearly suggests an attempt to discredit Horner, despite his official clearance.
“I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations,” read a statement by Horner read to the media by a Red Bull team spokesman.
The initial complaint against Horner, lodged by a female employee of Red Bull Racing, was never intended to become public knowledge. Its leak into the public sphere has led to speculation that it is being used as a malicious tactical maneuver by certain individuals within Red Bull.
Furthermore, rumors of internal disagreements between Red Bull's Thai ownership and the Austrian energy drinks division have further fueled the controversy.
The timing of the leak, coinciding with the conclusion of the investigation and ongoing F1 practice sessions, appears deliberate and strategically aimed at tarnishing Horner's reputation.
Earlier in the day, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown suggested that Red Bull’s statement – released on Wednesday – clearing Horner of any wrongdoing raised more questions than answers due to its lack of transparency.
Both Wolff and Brown urged Formula 1 and the FIA to press Red Bull for more clarity on the case.
“I've read this statement. I think, from what I've seen, there continues to be a lot of rumours, speculation, and questions,” commented Brown.
"I think the sanctioning body has a responsibility and authority to our sport, to our fans, and I think to all of us in Formula 1… I think they need to make sure that things have been fully transparent with them."
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