Max Verstappen has reportedly told FIA president Mohammad Ben Sulayem to launch his own investigation into Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
Horner had been under investigation after a female employee of the F1 team accused him of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ but he was cleared on the eve of the 2024 season.
The scandal isn’t going away though after texts and images supposedly related to the probe were leaked though Horner, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has repeatedly denied the allegations.
Things escalated after the Bahrain Grand Prix, when Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, called for Horner to be sacked, claiming Red Bull would ‘explode’ if he stayed in charge.
This comes after the pair had a ‘blazing row’ in Bahrain and it is said that Jos is ‘close friends’ with Horner’s accuser.
Reigning F1 champion Max, who has been part of the Red Bull family his entire career, has been mostly quiet on the matter, though did hail Horner as ‘incredible’ shortly before winning the first race of the season.
However, the 26-year-old has now been dragged into the saga thanks to his father’s comments which had fuelled speculation that he could sensationally leave Red Bull.
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded…
Monday 5 February – Red Bull confirm investigation into Horner over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations
Friday 9 February – Horner grilled by independent lawyer during eight-hour hearing
Thursday 15 February – Horner attends Red Bull’s 2024 car launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time – says he ‘fully denies’ any wrongdoing
Friday 16 February – Fresh allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner sent messages of a ‘suggestive nature’ to a female employee
Wednesday 21 February to Friday 23 February – Horner attends Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain – says: ‘We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible’
Friday 23 February – Sixth series of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix – Horner and wife Geri Halliwell feature in docuseries
Wednesday 28 February – Horner cleared of allegations – Red Bull say: ‘The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal’
Thursday 29 February to Saturday 2 March – Formula 1 season gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix
Thursday 29 February – WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel
Friday 1 March – Horner summoned for showdown talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Saturday 2 March – Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, warns Red Bull Racing ‘is in danger of being torn apart’ unless Horner leaves
It is said he has a break clause in his contract which runs until 2028, with a seat free at Mercedes thanks to Ferrari-bound Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Moreover, Verstappen reportedly held secret talks with Ben Sulayem, who heads F1’s governing body, over the Horner scandal.
The FIA president implored Verstappen to publicly back his team principal, though the Dutchman wasn’t entire convinced by the advice.
Christian Horner investigation – what we know
Now, BBC Sport claim that in response Verstappen told Ben Sulayem to launch his own enquiry into the matter, echoing calls made by other F1 personnel, including Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
This comes at a time when Ben Sulayem is also in hot water, having been accused of interfering with the result of last year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Fresh allegations have since emerged that claim the 62-year-old also attempted to get the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix called off last season by telling officials to find safety concerns withe new street circuit.
All this comes as F1 prepares for this weekend’s race in Saudi Arabia, where Horner and Max Verstappen will face many questions about their future at Red Bull.
Halliwell won’t be there however, and neither will Jos Verstappen though his absence was pre-planned and is not related to his controversial comments.
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