The most powerful people in Formula One were forwarded what looked to be personal WhatsApp conversations between Christian Horner and a female colleague, casting severe doubt on Horner’s ability to continue as Red Bull team principal.
Leading figures in the sport, including F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, as well as authorized journalists present in Bahrain for the scandal-plagued season’s first race, were copied on the message from the unknown sender.
The allegedly incriminating evidence was dropped as second practice got underway at 6 p.m., about a day after Horner’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, in Salzburg, absolved him of any “coercive behavior.” That came after an150 pages of findings were compiled by a KC-led internal probe.
If Horner denied the emails were real, Mail Sport questioned a representative for Red Bull. No rejection was made, but he did publish a forceful statement after consulting with attorneys.
“To reiterate, I have always denied the allegations,” Horner stated, “but I will not comment on anonymous speculation.”I completely cothatoperated with the independent investigation at every stage, respecting its objectivity.An independent specialized barrister carried out a comprehensive and impartial inquiry, which resulted in the complaint being dismissed.
On Thursday, Horner also modified his WhatsApp avatar. The image from the purported conversations with the woman in question has changed.He was thrilled with the decision
