Just when we thought Formula One was about to dive headfirst into the new season’s races, a curveball was thrown into the mix, putting Red Bull’s Christian Horner back under the spotlight. An email leak has stirred up the F1 world, revealing messages allegedly between Horner and a female staff member who had previously complained to him. This comes hot on the heels of an investigation that had just cleared Horner of any wrongdoing.
The drama unfolded in Bahrain, right at the kickoff of the season’s first race weekend. An anonymous email blast sent out late Thursday to the media, F1 teams, and big shots within the sport and its governing body, the FIA, showcased 79 images of supposed chats between Horner and the complainant. This leak has flipped the script, shifting the focus from the race tracks to the controversy surrounding Horner.
Despite the leak, Horner stands firm, reiterating his innocence and highlighting his cooperation with the recent investigation, in which he reminds everyone, found no evidence against him. “I wonโt comment on anonymous speculation,” he stated, emphasizing his focus on the racing season ahead.
The investigation’s conclusion, which was made public by Red Bull just a day before the leak, didn’t offer much in the way of details, citing the need to protect confidentiality. This lack of transparency hasn’t sat well with many in the paddock, including Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who’s been vocal about the need for clarity in such matters.
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The call for transparency isn’t just a Wolff solo; McLaren’s Zak Brown also chimed in, stressing the importance of the FIA and F1 getting a full briefing on the investigation to ensure the sport’s integrity remains untarnished. The concern is clear: without openness, speculation and rumors could overshadow the sport’s reputation.
Despite the brewing storm, Horner appeared determined to keep his head in the game, seen actively engaging in his team’s practice session in Bahrain. He assured everyone that he’s not stepping down anytime soon, proud to lead Red Bull in defending their world titles.
As the F1 community waits for more details or any form of response from F1 and the FIA, the saga serves as a reminder of the complex challenges that can arise off the track, potentially impacting the sport’s image as much as the action on it.
Fans Reaction on Twitter
My mobile as i send the drive folder with alleged #ChristianHorner leaked snaps to people who like this post!!!#RedBull #f1 #Horner pic.twitter.com/rluwCJcf0V
— Shiz (@Epic_shiz) March 1, 2024
Waking up for work to receive the pictures of the messages #ChristianHorner sent he's an absolute piece of shit!! But the woman was encouraging it so she's just as bad ๐ if that is his dick I feel sick ๐คฎ๐คฎ
— Amanda.H ๐ (@MissAHxx) March 1, 2024
Like this post to get the full drop of the Google Drive folder with the alleged Christian Horner leaks. #F1PL #Formula1 #f1twt #ChristianHorner
— Zara (@Epic_ZARA) March 1, 2024
pic.twitter.com/lTzGCcay68
How Christian Horner's opponent is crying…..!!๐ ๐
— Sandeep Kumar Yadav (@Sandy92_SKY) March 1, 2024
They know they can't beat #RedBull on the track…!!๐๏ธ๐#f1twt #F12024 #F1Testing #redbullracing #BahrainGP #ChristianHornerpic.twitter.com/f6dEsgfItx