As Christian Horner heads to Bahrain amid a scandal, his role and Red Bull’s image face intense scrutiny.
Christian Horner is en route to Bahrain for preseason testing and the opening Grand Prix of the new Formula 1 World Championship – even as pressure on him continues to mount.
The long-standing team boss of Red Bull is embroiled in a scandal involving an employee, which some believe is part of a broader power struggle within the energy drink company.
Regarding Horner’s attendance at the private tests starting tomorrow, “the famous presumption of innocence applies,” explains Red Bull’s Austrian consultant Dr. Helmut Marko, who, besides being a former F1 driver, is also a doctor of law.
However, the scandal is currently disturbing not only Red Bull Racing’s preparations for 2024 but also the brand, concerned about its image.
Thus, it’s likely that the scandal will be concluded swiftly, with the London-based Times noting: “There is now a desire to expedite the process in order to end the disruptions and the uncertainty.”
FIA Speaks as Horner Scandal Unfolds
Indeed, it’s noteworthy that on the very day the fashion brand AlphaTauri (owned by Red Bull) was unveiled as the official clothing supplier of the FIA, the governing body issued a public statement on the Horner situation.
“The FIA reiterates that until the investigation is completed and the outcome known, we will not make any further comments. The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and inclusiveness in the sport.”
Most observers expect Horner to struggle to survive the scandal and retain his role in Formula 1 – as the list of potential successors grows daily.
Jonathan Wheatley, the long-standing team manager of Red Bull, is the frontrunner. But the name of former driver and Red Bull ambassador, David Coulthard, who was present alongside Horner at the recent launch of the RB20, is also circulating.
In the rumors, Oliver Oakes, whose junior team Hitech is close to Red Bull, as well as former F1 team bosses Mattia Binotto and Otmar Szafnauer have also been mentioned.
Horner Bahrain F1 Scandal. Horner Bahrain F1 Scandal
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