According to reports, Christian Horner is said to have lost the support of Mark Mateschitz, son of the late co-founder of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz. The situation surrounding Horner has become a topic of discussion at the Bahrain GP. The 50-year-old Briton was accused of inappropriate behavior by a Red Bull employee, but was cleared of all charges. However, he faced scrutiny again after an alleged evidence leak. Now, it appears that influential figures, including Mark Mateschitz, may be considering removing Horner from his position.
Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s Motorsport Consultant, had a close relationship with Dietrich Mateschitz. There were rumors of tensions between Marko and Horner last year, but both denied such speculations. According to the Daily Mail, the octogenarian Marko and Dietrich Mateschitz’s son are now seeking to dismiss Horner as team principal amid ongoing allegations.
Mark Mateschitz allegedly wanted to remove Horner even before the investigation was concluded. However, Horner received support from Red Bull’s majority owner, Chalerm Yoovidhya, which allowed him to continue with his responsibilities in Milton Keynes.
Red Bull’s CEO, Oliver Mintzlaff, who is rumored to be a possible replacement for Horner, agrees with Marko and Mateschitz, according to reports. The Daily Mail claims that Mintzlaff considers Horner “too expensive and too senior”.
In addition, Mintzlaff may be considering centralizing decision-making at Red Bull in Austria. This would change the current structure, where Horner has significant influence in various organizations, including Red Bull Power Trains and Red Bull Advanced Technologies. However, there has been no official confirmation of these allegations from Milton Keynes.
Horner remains in his position as Red Bull Team Principal at the moment. However, the alleged evidence leak has sparked discussions between F1 and the FIA about the situation involving the 50-year-old Briton. The FIA President expressed concern that Horner’s case was negatively impacting the sport on a personal level.
In addition, Horner is reportedly facing difficulties in his marriage to Geri Halliwell, former Spice Girls member. The situation is so tense that Halliwell may even choose to skip the Bahrain GP and possibly end her relationship with her husband. It is worth noting, however, that Halliwell has not commented on the alleged evidence leak. Previously, the 51-year-old Briton had shown unwavering support for Christian Horner, but the circumstances apparently changed.
Undoubtedly, Christian Horner will face numerous controversies in the coming days. The Briton has chosen not to address anonymous speculations about the alleged evidence leak. However, it is evident that the 50-year-old Briton will likely be compelled to provide answers to the public in the near future.
