ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 26: Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, and the Red Bull Racing team celebrate in the Pitlane after the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 26, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Horner found himself embroiled in a scandal ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season, when a female colleague accused him of inappropriate and coercive behavior. Despite undergoing an internal investigation by Red Bull, evidence of the case was leaked through an anonymous email to various Formula 1 figures and media professionals.
The Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing managed to survive the incident, which also led to internal power struggles within the team. Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, called for Horner’s removal, sparking rumors about the future of the three-time Formula 1 champion with the team. Even Helmut Marko’s position within the team was questioned. The accuser filed an appeal and legal action, but there has been no resolution yet.
Although reports suggested there was a power struggle at the top of Red Bull, with minority shareholders (49%) represented by Mark Mintzlaff, son of the late Dietrich Mateschitz, and majority shareholder, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, backing Horner, Mintzlaff himself supported Horner to continue as head of Red Bull Racing.
In an interview with Bild, Mintzlaff expressed his belief that Horner is dedicated to the team’s success and is a highly competent CEO. He also addressed the departure of Red Bull’s Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey, acknowledging his significant contributions to the team’s 13 world titles. Despite Newey’s departure, Mintzlaff expressed confidence in Red Bull’s ability to continue building fast Formula 1 cars.
Looking ahead to the future, Red Bull is well prepared for the 2025 car, an evolution of its current RB20 model. However, in 2026, when Formula 1 introduces new cars and power units, the absence of Newey may be felt. Nevertheless, Mintzlaff remains calm, stating that Red Bull aims to maintain its position at the top of Formula 1. He highlighted their track record of success in adapting to major rule changes, while other teams have struggled to keep up. Mintzlaff also expressed optimism about the future, especially noting Max Verstappen’s awareness of Red Bull’s performance and the team’s confidence in developing their own engine.
According to Mintzlaff, this represents the next phase of Red Bull’s evolution.
