Although the cost cap affair in 2022 was a difficult time for the team, it did not bring with it the personal turmoil and invasions that have been the order of the day in recent weeks.
The launch of an investigation into unspecified allegations against him by a female employee put Horner at the center of a media frenzy as he battled to save his career and his future in Grand Prix racing.
While Horner remained in character – he attended the RB20 launch earlier this month and was on the pit wall during pre-season testing last week – it was clear from his body language that the matter had taken an emotional toll on him.
Far from being the overconfident guy who often bounces around the paddock, Horner appeared tired and drained as he faced an investigation that began more than a month ago.
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While Red Bull's statement on Wednesday evening gives Horner a better night's sleep as the focus shifts to winning the Formula 1 season opener in Bahrain, there are still many unanswered questions about the events of the last few weeks.
The rumor mill is abuzz with speculation about what exactly Horner is said to have done. There were several different versions told by Paddock characters – with many of the stories contradicting each other.
Sources have strongly denied some of the more extreme suggestions that have emerged in many publications – and lawyers may have a lot of trouble now that Horner has been acquitted about some of the reports that took place.
Because of the limitations of such an internal investigation, there remains little clarity about what was involved and what was not – and the truth may never be revealed.
Christian Horner, team boss, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Red Bull's statement said on Wednesday: “The investigation report is confidential and contains private information from the parties and third parties who participated in the investigation. Therefore, out of respect for everyone involved, we will have no further comment. “Red Bull will continue to strive to meet the highest workplace standards.”
It remains to be seen whether Horner will provide further details as he is unlikely to say much about the situation after he enters the Bahrain paddock on Thursday.
Red Bull's parent company is understood to remain committed to focusing on tracking things rather than the ongoing impact of recent events.
But what is perhaps most fascinating is how much the situation has revealed the hand of those who want to use the situation to topple Horner.
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The behavior of other teams in investigating Red Bull in recent weeks was widely seen as normal behavior in the world of Formula 1.
As Max Verstappen said: “This is a constant tactic in Formula 1 that is always used.” This not only applies to this story, but is always like this and typical of Formula 1. This is 100% typical F1.”
There also remains much uncertainty about what role the various elements of Red Bull's global business did and did not play in this matter – from the Thai majority owners, the Austrian parent company, Helmut Marko and the Verstappens.
Were there any internal disagreements about the direction it should take? Have some tried to force the issue and bring about change at the top? Were there personal vendettas? Only those who are in the middle of it know for sure. And just as the specific details of the complaint are unclear, it is also difficult to determine what is true and what is wild gossip from an incredibly complex situation.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo by: Erik Junius
However, it is common knowledge in politics that enemies often show their hands when the leader looks weak – but they can find their positions extremely vulnerable if the tide turns and there is no change at the top.
The other important aspect is that Horner's own position within the Red Bull F1 team will be vacated further down the line.
Although the situation of the last few weeks has made life difficult for him in some respects, the very prospect of the organization's members having to consider a future without him provided cause for reflection on his true impact and a reality that would have a hard time leaving him Imagine that someone else is now leading the team.
While developments like Ford's letter to Red Bull asking the company to end uncertainty about the situation were seen by some as potentially deeply unfortunate, Horner actually shared that sentiment. All he wanted was to complete the investigation so he could move on.
And behind closed doors, Horner is understood to have received extensive private support from team partners and staff – reflected in a statement of support he received during a factory meeting this week.
As Horner said at the RB20 launch: “We are very much in agreement. We have always received tremendous support from shareholders since Dietrich's death. Shareholders have been incredibly supportive and you can see the level of investment being made in Powertrains, the future of Formula 1.
One thing is clear, however: with Horner's ultra-competitive mindset, despite everything he's been through, he won't let this situation weaken his or the team's focus on the task at hand – and, most importantly, open the door for rivals who already have were hoping to exploit the problems.
And the best way to prove it would be to destroy track supremacy at this weekend's Bahrain GP.
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