Despite some exciting car launches and the shock news of Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari in 2025, the spotlight has shifted back to Red Bull Racing team principal, Christian Horner, amidst allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’.
Reports of an independent investigation into Horner’s conduct, with allegations of ‘controlling and coercive behaviour’ by a female member of Red Bull staff have been bubbling away under the surface.
Red Bull Racing drivers Max Verstappen and Checo Perez have talked about the allegations, and the effect that they have had on the team at the RB20 car launch.
Despite all of the drama, allegations, and insinuations, Perez reflected on the team’s unity and resilience, claiming that the Horner situation isn’t a distraction and that they “just want to go racing”.
“We are a race team and we want the whole team to stay together because we’ve been so successful. We will be able just to keep the whole team together and just focus on racing.”
Verstappen echoed Perez’s thoughts, highlighting the importance of unity within the team, and shaking off the rumours of tension between the Red Bull staff and Horner.
“I am very focused on my own performance to get ready, to be fit, to be ready to drive the car, to be discussing things with the engineers.”
He claimed that despite the rumours of the Verstappen camp siding with Marko and the Austrian side of the ownership, his relationship with Horner is “the same as always. I can tell you that”.
“I don’t know who likes to write these kinds of things, but to me and Christian it’s [the same] like always [the relationship].”
Yet, amidst their unwavering commitment to the team, both drivers acknowledged the gravity of the allegations.
“Obviously, there are some things out there,” Perez admitted, “but the most important thing is that we stay together as a team.”
Verstappen, too, emphasised the need to stay focused on the upcoming season, car performance and life away from F1, rather than speculation and unconfirmed rumours.
“From my side, I am very focused on my own performance to get ready, to be fit, to be ready to drive the car, to be discussing things with the engineers, what you want to do.
“Plus, my life is not only Formula 1. When I’m at home, I prefer not to think about F1 too much, outside of my scheduled training.
“There are a lot of things going on in the background for me also, what I want to do in the future. Also from the virtual side of things that I’m working on. I’m more than busy enough at home.”
Perez stressed what a vital part Horner plays in the team as the British team principal has led the squad since its takeover from Jaguar in 2005. He has led them to seven Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Championships.
“Christian is a key player in our organisation… We work well and the main goal is remembering that we are here for racing and that we are a race team, and that we love it and we just go racing together.”
