The dismay is evident around the world. Max Verstappen, Formula One world driver's champion three years in a row and winner of last week's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, doesn't so much revel in his achievements as ask for silence.
And he's not referring to the deafening 130-decibel sound coming from his Red Bull Racing 20 car.
“What I want – and that doesn't matter who is involved in the team or not – is to have a calm environment where everyone is happy to work,” Verstappen said Thursday in Jeddah ahead of this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Put sound silencers on the media, on embattled Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner, and even on Verstappen's father, Jos. That would please Mad Max.
A month ago, Red Bull Racing received a complaint from an employee alleging inappropriate behavior by Horner, who is married to Geri Halliwell-Horner, formerly known as Ginger Spice of the Spice Girls. Red Bull Racing hired independent investigator King's Counsel, which found no wrongdoing by Horner.
The woman who made the accusation was suspended with pay by Red Bull Racing on Thursday, reportedly as a direct result of the investigation, just before a press conference in Jeddah, where Horner said it was time to “move on” and focus on the careers.
Regarding the allegations, he said: “Out of respect for the company and, of course, the other party, we are all subject to the same restrictions. So even if I wanted to talk about it, I can't because of those confidentiality restrictions.”
Case closed? Hardly.
Several media outlets were anonymously sent a batch of text messages purportedly between Horner and his accuser with the subject line “Christian Horner Investigation Evidence.” None appeared to be criminal in nature, but some could be considered inappropriate.
Horner believes competitors are using the drama to divide Red Bull Racing, which has dominated Formula One for several years. At least two other team managers commented on the investigation into Horner's behavior and how the episode reflected on the sport.
Mercedes' Toto Wolff wanted to know the details of the investigation, saying: “If it's done in the right way, with transparency and rigour, we need to look at the results and what it means for F1 and how we can learn from it.”
'“F1 and the teams defend inclusion, equality, justice and diversity. And it's not just talking about it, it's living it day after day. It's not just a matter of equipment. “It is a problem for all of F1.”
Williams' James Vowles took a similar stance, telling Bloomberg: “We all need to look in the mirror and make sure we're asking the right questions internally and acting in a way we can only be proud of, not today.” but in the next 10 years.”
Competitors might be expected to fire. But Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull Racing's star driver and former Formula One champion, also spoke out against Horner.
“There is tension here while staying in position,” he told the Daily Mail after the Bahrain Grand Prix. “The team is in danger of disintegrating. It can't continue as it is. It will explode. “He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
The comment fueled rumors that Max Verstappen would move to Mercedes in 2025. However, this week he insisted that he intends to remain with Red Bull at least until his contract expires in 2029, as long as “the performance is there.” ”.
And, presumably, as long as the “calm atmosphere” is restored.
