Just as Red Bull is on the verge of securing two more championships this year (or seven in four years) and seems to be on track to dominate Formula 1 in the foreseeable future, a major controversy has erupted within the Austrian team. This has affected key figures such as Horner, Helmut Marko, Jos Verstappen, and other prominent individuals within the organization.
Chalerm Yoovidhya, the majority shareholder of Red Bull, made a special trip to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to witness the turmoil unfolding within the team they own.
At this stage, the sequence of events that has been labeled by the British media as “Horner’s sex messages scandal” has unfolded. Initially, Horner denied any wrongdoing on the day the Red Bull RB20 was launched at a rain-soaked Silverstone, and he continued to lead the team during the F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Just when it seemed that Horner had been cleared of any allegations, a WhatsApp conversation brought the saga back to life. Jos Verstappen added fuel to the fire by reporting dissent within Red Bull under Horner’s leadership and demanding the resignation of the long-time Team Principal, whom he portrayed as a victim.
Armed with compromising evidence, Jos was kept away from Jeddah, apparently to gather support. Meanwhile, Horner, also known as Spice Boy, and Geri Halliwell Horner, known as Spice Girl, publicly displayed their “love and unity” by embracing and smiling whenever cameras were present. The presence of photographers in Jeddah was constant, as the UK media eagerly seized on this feud.
Furthermore, Dr. Helmut Marko, a trusted figure during the Dietrich Mateschitz era and advisor to the late billionaire on F1 matters, also found himself in the spotlight as Red Bull’s parent company announced an investigation into his conduct. Seriously?
Yes, indeed! However, the investigation was short-lived as Marko announced a day or so later that he wasn’t going anywhere. He stated that internal issues at Red Bull had been resolved and hinted at a future meeting in Australia. In an ironic comment, he also stated that he and Max were not “heading to Mercedes at the moment.”
Shortly after publicly criticizing Horner in Bahrain, Jos Verstappen was seen engaged in a lengthy conversation with Toto Wolff, the head of the Mercedes team. This only fueled rumors, which were further stoked by Wolff’s statement that he would do everything to secure the 26-year-old Dutch driver for the Silver Arrows.
As mentioned earlier, the Horners did not disappoint the sensationalist publications by proudly displaying their ‘affection’ for all to witness, and, one can assume, irritating a significant number of individuals. This includes the female team member who caused controversy and exposed hidden issues within the Red Bull organization.
To take this whole situation to another level of absurdity or any other term one chooses to use, according to F1 Insider – who has aggressively pursued this story in a way that did not benefit Horner – the band U2 is planning to release a song titled: “Don’t be lavish, be virtuous.”
Serious? Yes! This is because the mentioned RBR employee is apparently ‘connected’ to The Edge through a brother-in-law, and the U2 guitarist is supposedly prepared to compose a song about the incident. Serious! Yes! I find it hard to believe as I write this, but it is really circulating!
The report also claims that the billionaire Thai owners have somehow become aware of this situation and are becoming less enthusiastic about their unwavering support for Horner, which they have demonstrated throughout this ongoing saga.
As a result, reports suggesting that Horner will not be in charge during the next race in Australia, where F1 will move on to the 3rd stage of the World Championship, are increasing in number. It is hard to ignore the possibility that the man who has led Red Bull since its inaugural race in 2005 may not occupy that position when F1 establishes its presence in Melbourne.
The team boss is aware that his accuser is appealing Red Bull’s decision, indicating his willingness to engage in a battle and present his side of the story.
Perhaps influenced by the lack of propriety shown by the ‘Spices’ as they paraded through the Jeddah paddock. Regardless of the perspective, it was embarrassing and a deliberate provocation to his accuser. This evoked a strong reaction in me, despite not being directly involved!
This narrative is far from reaching a conclusion and remains a persistent issue for Red Bull, the team that Horner has guided to its current state and past achievements. It is possible that a new individual will take on the leadership role next time we report on this regrettable spectacle that has captivated the F1 community.
The situation is precarious, as the headline “Horner fired” could appear at any moment, whether today or tomorrow. This uncertainty is supported by several commentators who suggest that if he is indeed fired or suspended, it will likely happen before the arrival of F1 in Melbourne.
Regardless of the outcome, the fact that the formidable F1 operation of Red Bull has reached this point is unsettling and highlights how individuals in positions of power can behave foolishly and arrogantly, even within seemingly robust organizations. What lies ahead?
© 2024
With the football season coming to an end, fans are eager to know who will be the grand champion. With teams fiercely fighting for the title, the competition is more intense than ever. This weekend, the most anticipated game took place between historic rivals, Flamengo and Vasco.
In a packed stadium, with vibrant fans and an electrifying atmosphere, both teams took to the field determined to secure the victory. Flamengo, the league leaders, were confident, while Vasco, looking to bounce back from a series of defeats, was determined to surprise.
The game started with great intensity, with both teams creating goal-scoring opportunities. Flamengo’s defense was solid, thwarting Vasco’s advances, while Flamengo’s attack was constantly pressing. Despite the efforts of both teams, the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, Flamengo showed their superiority and opened the scoring with a goal from Gabriel Barbosa, Gabigol. The red-and-black fans went wild with the goal and began to sing and cheer on the team. Vasco did not give up and continued to fight, but could not overturn the score.
With the final result of 1-0 for Flamengo, the team was crowned champions of the championship. The fans invaded the field to celebrate with the players, in an emotional party. Flamengo’s coach, Jorge Jesus, was carried on the shoulders by the fans, in recognition of his exceptional work.
Flamengo’s victory was well deserved, and the team showed its strength throughout the entire season. Now, the fans eagerly await the next competition, hoping to see their team shine again. Brazilian football is full of emotion and rivalry, and Flamengo is the main protagonist of this moment.
