Jos, the father of Max Verstappen, was in the paddock on what ended up being a very eventful Thursday for Red Bull. After a protracted investigation, Christian Horner was found not to have engaged in any inappropriate activity, but his future is still a contentious issue.
At the beginning of the day, Horner was beaming as he carried on with business as usual following the dismissal of a female Red Bull employee’s complaint by the beverage corporation. The 50-year-old had been performing his F1 duties in an unsettling environment while Red Bull hired an outside barrister to prepare their conclusions.
Another bombshell struck the circuit on Thursday afternoon when an unknown source provided media a Google Drive folder purportedly containing conversations and pictures that Horner had given to an unidentified individual.
“I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations,” the Red Bull team principal retorted.
Don’t overlook… Christian Horner’messages and images leaked’ following his exoneration from charges
“I completely cooperated with the independent investigation at every stage, respecting its objectivity. An independent specialised barrister carried out a comprehensive and impartial inquiry, which has finished with the complaint being dismissed.”
After Thursday’s practice sessions in Bahrain, Horner was spotted exiting the Red Bull garage, according to The Times. He then stopped to speak briefly with F1 great David Coulthard before entering.
After reaching the Red Bull garage, according to the same account, Jos Verstappen returned to the paddock and said, “Yes, I have the email too.” According to reports, Verstappen Sr. and Horner are currently at odds over a perceived power struggle within Red Bull.
Max Verstappen, the three-time world champion, is preparing mentally for the Bahrain International Circuit curtain-raiser of the 2024 season while mayhem erupts around him.
The Dutchman won 19 of the 22 Grands Prix he entered and easily won the Drivers’ Championship for the third time in a row last season. He is the overwhelming favourite to win four games in a row this season.
Mercedes dominated the pace during Red Bull’s challenging second practice session on Thursday, with Verstappen setting the sixth-fastest time and Sergio Perez the tenth.
