Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says he won’t be swayed by attempts to undermine him and vows to remain committed to his team and to his family.
The long-standing team principal of the championship winning outfit remains embroiled in a highly publicized saga that threatens his position with Red Bull Racing.
Despite emerging unscathed from an internal investigation into misconduct allegations, Horner remains the target of a proper smear campaign but also of public criticism.
On Thursday in Bahrain, an email containing alleged evidence against Horner was sent to senior F1 personnel, including team bosses, F1’s top brass and members of the media, reignited the controversy.
And late on Saturday, after Red Bull’s crushing triumph in the Bahrain GP, Jos Verstappen added fuel to the fire. The father of Max Verstappen publicly called for Horner's resignation, claiming the team is on the precipice of implosion.
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The controversy’s latest developments clearly point towards an orchestrated effort to oust Horner from his leadership role.
While the identities of those behind this push remain unknown, their motives are a source of speculation. Horner, however, remains unfazed, vowing to maintain focus on racing despite the ongoing saga.
“I'm not going to comment on what motive whatever person may have for doing this,” he said after the Bahrain GP, quoted by Motorsport.com.
“My focus is on this team, my family, my wife, and going racing. I have the support of an incredible family, with an incredible wife and an incredible team. And everybody within that team. My focus is on going racing and winning races and doing the best that I can.”
Horner acknowledged that navigating through the intense media scrutiny and the accompanying stresses has not been an enjoyable experience for him.
“Obviously, it's not been pleasant, some of the unwanted attention, but the focus is now very much on the cars,” he said.
“My focus has very much been on what's going on on track. And the result [of the Bahrain GP] I think demonstrates where the whole team's focus is. And we move onwards.”
Ahead of Saturday’s race, in a very public demonstration of support, Horner made his way onto the grid hand-in hand with his wife Geri Halliwell, while also later flanked by Red Bull majority owner, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya.
“I've had tremendous support from within the team and within the company,” Horner said.
“It was a day about going racing, about the start of the season, and about starting the season in the best possible way.
“The drivers did brilliantly. The team did brilliantly. And it was the best possible start for the team, for our partners, for our shareholders and everybody within the group.”
Speaking after Saturday’s race to Sky F1’s Simon Lazenby, Horner said that he was “absolutely” certain that he would remain at the helm of Red Bull Racing.
“There was a full, lengthy internal process that was completed by an independent KC [attorney],” he added. “The grievance that was raised was dismissed. End of. Move on.”
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