A Year After the Email: Red Bull’s Turbulent Journey
It was an anonymous email, sent to over 100 senior figures in Formula 1, including team bosses, journalists, and F1’s owners. The sender’s address contained the day’s date, 29 February, and the email was timed to drop at 6:22 pm local time in Bahrain, just before the first race of the 2024 season. The message was straightforward: “Following Red Bull’s recent investigation and statements, you will be interested to see the materials attached.” The link led to a Google Drive containing disjoined WhatsApp exchanges and images, all under the subject “Christian Horner investigation evidence.”
The Storm Breaks: Horner Under Fire
It is hard to believe that just 12 months ago, Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal since 2005, found himself at the center of a storm. A female employee had accused him of inappropriate behavior, leading to an internal investigation. Despite being cleared by Red Bull, the allegations and Horner’s subsequent denials sparked intense scrutiny. His opponents demanded transparency, and the situation seemed to be tearing the team apart. Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen’s father, was particularly vocal, claiming Horner’s presence was damaging the team. The release of the anonymous email and its contents only added fuel to the fire, leading to weeks of speculation, legal hearings, and accusations of team implosion.
Resolution and Reconciliation
On 8 August last year, the woman who had accused Horner of controlling behavior saw her appeal dismissed. Red Bull’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, issued a statement confirming that the appeal process had concluded, with the final outcome rejecting the appeal. The company accepted the conclusions of the independent panel, bringing the internal process to a close. Horner, who had always maintained his innocence, found himself with the support of Red Bull’s Thai owner, Chalerm Yoovidhya, who holds a 51% shareholding in the company. Yoovidhya’s presence at the 2023 Bahrain GP was a clear show of support, and their relationship was further strengthened.
Key Departures and Internal Changes
Despite the legal clarity, 2024 brought significant changes within the team. On 1 May, Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s Chief Technology Officer and one of F1’s most respected designers, announced he was stopping work on the team’s F1 car and would leave the company in 2025. His departure to Aston Martin was a shock, and it raised questions about Red Bull’s ability to maintain its competitive edge without the best F1 designer. On 1 August, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who had been with Red Bull since 2006, also announced he was leaving to join the Audi F1 project. These departures signaled a significant shift in the team’s management structure, and the coming season will reveal their impact.
Repairing Relationships
One of the most surprising developments has been the reconciliation between Horner and Jos Verstappen. A year ago, their relationship seemed irreparably damaged, with Verstappen making bombastic claims about his son Max’s potential departure from the team. However, the two are now on speaking terms and even plan to meet for dinner. Similarly, Horner and Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport consultant, have buried the hatchet. They agreed to drop Daniel Ricciardo in favor of promoting Liam Lawson, a decision that has since been validated with Lawson’s performance.
Max Verstappen: A Fresh Start
The internal conflict last season undoubtedly strained Max Verstappen, who found himself caught in a tug-of-war between his father and team boss. Despite the pressure, Verstappen delivered a fourth consecutive championship, albeit with a late challenge from Lando Norris. Pre-season testing this year saw a different vibe from Verstappen. He was noticeably upbeat, taking the booing at the O2 in stride and not reacting negatively to George Russell’s criticisms of his driving style. This newfound assurance suggests a team that, despite recent upheavals, remains solid and focused heading into the new season.
Looking Forward: A Strong Red Bull
Ultimately, despite the tumult of the past 12 months, Red Bull appears resilient and united. Horner’s position is stronger than ever, and the team’s focus is on securing both titles at the end of the year. The departures of Newey and Wheatley are significant, but the team’s core remains intact, and Max Verstappen’s positive demeanor bodes well for the coming season. Red Bull’s journey over the past year has been marked by challenges, but the team seems poised to rise to the occasion once again.
