The world of Formula 1 was once again shaken when allegations of misconduct against Red Bull team principal Christian Horner resurfaced less than 24 hours after they had been dismissed. A mysterious file containing potentially incriminating evidence against Horner was reportedly leaked to hundreds of recipients, including various media outlets, Liberty Media, F1, the FIA, and the leaders of the nine other F1 teams.
The Mysterious File
The file in question contained 79 documents, mostly screenshots of alleged WhatsApp conversations between Horner and an unidentified person. The contents of these exchanges ranged from innocent pictures of meals and snacks to more suggestive photographs and messages. One particularly eyebrow-raising message suggested the recipient could work from home after leaving their laptop at the factory, with other conversations suggesting clandestine meetings.
The file was leaked from a generic email account, and its authenticity has not been verified by Fortune, ESPN, or the Associated Press. When asked about the allegations, Horner reiterated his denial of any wrongdoing.
A History of Controversy
This is not the first time that the world of Formula 1 and Red Bull specifically has been rocked by allegations of inappropriate and even violent behavior. Notable instances include the conviction of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen for assault and the temporary suspension of former driver Adrian Sutil for causing grievous bodily harm.
The timing of this leak is particularly unfortunate for Horner, as it occurred while he was attending a practice event for the first race of the 2024 season. This inaugural race has consistently drawn over a million viewers, contributing to the sport’s recent surge in popularity in the United States.
Red Bull’s F1 Success
Despite the controversy, Red Bull has been a dominant force in Formula 1. Since buying the team from Jaguar in 2005, the company has invested over a billion dollars into its racing team. This investment has more than paid off, with the team now valued at $2.6 billion and boasting an estimated revenue of $510 million for 2023.
Horner has been a central figure in Red Bull’s F1 success, having helmed the team since its inception. Under his leadership, the team has won six constructor’s titles, seven drivers’ titles, and over 100 grands prix. This success has not only brought prestige to the team, but also significant financial gains. Red Bull’s second F1 team, Visa CashApp RB, brought in an additional $260 million in revenue in 2023.
According to Horner, the team’s success has translated into increased sales for Red Bull’s energy drinks, which hold a 13% market share worldwide. “They see it, they can measure it. It’s incredible the amount of consumption of Red Bull that is happening,” Horner told CNBC.
In light of these allegations, it remains to be seen how the F1 community and Red Bull will respond. Whether these allegations will overshadow Red Bull’s success on the track or be dismissed as unfounded remains to be seen.
