Red Bull Racing Staffer at Center of Horner allegations Lands New Role in Motorsports
A key figure at the heart of the allegations against Christian Horner, which sent shockwaves through Formula 1 at the start of the 2024 season, has reportedly secured a new position within the motorsports industry.
The individual, whose identity was protected for legal reasons by PlanetF1.com, was the subject of an inquiry into alleged inappropriate conduct that threatened Horner’s leadership. During the investigation, this staff member was suspended but continued to receive their salary. Earlier this year, the person departed Red Bull and is now said to have taken on a new role in the racing world.
These internal upheavals are widely believed to have contributed to Horner’s eventual removal as Team Principal and CEO. Following a meeting in London shortly after the British Grand Prix, Horner was dismissed, along with the heads of public relations and marketing. The specific reasons for the replacement of these team coaches during this period have not been officially disclosed.
Horner had been at the helm of Red Bull Racing as their entry into Formula 1 in 2005, overseeing a period of immense success that included six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles, most recently with Max Verstappen’s 2024 championship victory.
However, the Milton Keynes-based team experienced a downturn in performance from the latter half of the 2024 season, a trend that has reportedly continued into the early stages of 2025. This decline in competitiveness is also cited as a contributing factor to Horner’s dismissal.
Adding to the pressure, Max Verstappen’s father, Jos verstappen, publicly voiced strong criticism of Horner’s continued tenure. During the height of the controversy in early 2024, he stated, “If Horner stays, the team will collapse,” and warned that “the team is at risk of being torn apart.” While there were indications of improved relations between Horner and Verstappen Sr. at one point, underlying tensions persisted. Reports also suggested that Verstappen’s father and Helmut Marko formed an alliance against Horner.
The combination of declining performance, the potential risk of max Verstappen seeking opportunities elsewhere, internal team conflicts, and the lingering aftermath of the scandal from the previous year are all believed to have culminated in Horner’s dismissal.
