Christian Horner has reflected on the allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him in 2024, crediting his wife Geri Halliwell for her support. Horner, the former Red Bull Team Principal and CEO, stated the timing of the allegations was not coincidental. He discussed the period during an appearance on the Up to Speed Plus podcast.
Allegations of inappropriate and coercive behaviour by a female employee at Red Bull emerged in February 2024, just before the Formula 1 season commenced. Horner consistently denied these claims.
An internal investigation, conducted by an independent King’s Counsel barrister, cleared Horner of all wrongdoing on February 28, 2024. The specific nature of the allegations was not officially disclosed.
The complainant subsequently appealed the initial decision in August 2024. A second independent investigation, overseen by a different King’s Counsel, also dismissed the appeal.
During the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, messages purportedly related to the case were leaked to F1 media. Horner attended the event with Geri Halliwell, presenting a united front.
Horner noted that rivals attempted to exploit the situation, perceiving it as a weakness for Red Bull Racing. He described the pressure from certain sectors within the paddock as unpleasant.
Despite the off-track issues, Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship in 2024. However, McLaren-Mercedes claimed the Constructors’ Championship that season.
Red Bull Racing finished third in the 2024 Constructors’ standings, behind McLaren and Ferrari. This outcome was partly due to Sergio Perez’s inconsistent performance.
The 2025 season proved challenging for Red Bull, marked by a downturn in performance and internal tensions. Max Verstappen finished runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship by two points to Lando Norris.
Christian Horner was dismissed from his role as Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing in July 2025, following the British Grand Prix. He had led the team for two decades.
Horner stated he was not given a clear reason for his removal, but theorised it was due to a perception of him holding too much control. He reportedly received an £80 million settlement.
Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls, replaced Horner as Red Bull Team Principal and CEO. Mekies has recently signed a contract extension through 2031.
Under Mekies’ leadership, Red Bull has shown a resurgence in the 2026 season. Max Verstappen has secured victories in the recent Malaysian and Singapore Grands Prix.
I’m married to a very public lady, and Geri’s support during that period was phenomenal, and we came through it.
Horner is scheduled to release his autobiography, titled ‘Drive’, later in October 2026. He has been linked with a potential return to Formula 1.
