Christian Horner, the principal of the Red Bull team, faces uncertainty about his future with the organization following an internal hearing regarding claims of inappropriate behavior. The investigation is still ongoing, and Horner continues to refute the accusations made against him as the 2024 Formula One season gets closer.
Red Bull intends to introduce their Formula 1 RB20 vehicle on Thursday, February 15. However, it’s unclear if Horner will be present because it’s not clear if the investigation will be finished in time for the season to start.
According to reports, there is little chance that the investigation will be finished in time for the start of the campaign on February 29.
Horner spent several hours on the grill on Friday. Red Bull’s car launch this week, where Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will answer questions regarding the 50-year-old, is expected to be overshadowed by the situation.
Fernando Alonso to Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the season to join Ferrari, so Mercedes is looking for a replacement.
When the season ends, Fernando Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin also expires, and Marca reports that he is considering joining the Silver Arrows.
Even though he and Toto Wolff don’t always get along, he would accept the Mercedes seat if it were offered for 2025.
After a strong 2023 season, he is delaying talks about his future until after he sees how Aston Martin’s 2024 car is made.
Red Bull warned of Max Verstappen exit
Red Bull has been alerted to the possibility that Max Verstappen may leave the team as a result of the ongoing investigation into Christian Horner.
Though Horner’s future is still very much up in the air, Verstappen might leave Red Bull if their team principal is fired, according to former Williams CEO Peter Windsor.
“What effect will it have on Max and the car’s performance if Christian leaves, and let’s say Adrian (Newey) is not as interested in Formula One as he was?” he asked.
“The momentum persisted for a short while after Ross Brawn and the team left Ferrari. Thus, the momentum would not stop. Enough decent people are present.
“Max would be asking himself, ‘Is this the same Red Bull that I know and love?’ when more significant changes are planned for 2026 and 2028. And then all of a sudden, Max starts to consider whether there might be a better option out there.”
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