https://f1-insider.com/formel-1-red-bul ... pen-62322/
Because of Red Bull and Horner: Sodom and Gomorrah in Formula 1
Free practice for the Saudi Arabian GP begins tomorrow (Thursday). But hardly anyone is interested in the cars at the second Formula 1 race of the season. Sex, lies and intrigue are currently the focus of the premier class paddock, where conditions like those in Sodom and Gomorrah have long prevailed. And: Every day there are new reports and rumors about the allegations against Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and their consequences.
The latest news that F1-Insider.com learned: The lawyer for the Thai majority shareholders of Red Bull Racing and Horner is said to have officially terminated the employee who initiated the alleged sexual assault case on Monday. She now wants to sue against the expulsion in an English labor court and is expected to have the support of the Austrian faction around Didi Mateschitz heir Mark Mateschitz and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.
On Monday there was also a meeting between the head of the Thai owner family, Chalerm Yoovidhya (73), and the Verstappen clan in Dubai. Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull superstar Max (26), celebrated his 53rd birthday there with his closest circle, including his son Max and his sponsor Helmut Marko.
Jos Verstappen with a race track ban?
History: Jos Verstappen publicly called for team boss Horner's head during the first Grand Prix in Bahrain. According to F1 insider information, the fronts have apparently even hardened after the meeting. Max Verstappen - loyal to his father and Helmut Marko - is said to have threatened to go public if Horner continued to be supported.
Meanwhile, some English media are reporting that Jos Verstappen is no longer allowed to attend the races after the Bahrain incident. Alone: The former Formula 1 driver and ex-teammate of Michael Schumacher knows nothing about this. Jos Verstappen to F1 Insider: “I drive rallies in Europe. That's why I won't be there in Saudi Arabia or the following races. That’s been clear for a long time.”
It seems clear: The Thais, who continue to stand behind Horner despite all the accusations, seem ready to let their superstar go. They believe that design genius Adrian Newey is more important for success than the super talent from the Netherlands - and they believe they can keep him. The British mastermind is supposed to build winning cars for the Australian Oscar Piastri and the Thai-British Alexander Albon in the future - that's the plan if Verstappen leaves.
Problem: Both Piastri and Albon still have contracts with McLaren and Williams respectively in 2025. But the Thais believe they can solve the problem with money. Piastri also helps: he is looked after by ex-Red Bull driver Mark Webber. The Australian is considered a friend and close confidant of Christian Horner.
Will Verstappen move from Red Bull to Mercedes in 2024?
This shows that the fronts at Red Bull are now so hardened that anything seems possible. Even a move from Max Verstappen to Mercedes this year. A former team boss to F1 insider: “If Toto Wolff (Mercedes team boss, editor) is clever, he is already trying to put Max in the car for Lewis Hamilton.” Background: The seven-time world champion is moving to Ferrari in 2025. We already reported: Due to an exit clause, Verstappen could leave Red Bull under certain conditions .
Ex-Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher sees it similarly. Today's Sky expert to F1 Insider: “There is nothing left to fix between the Verstappens and the Horner corner. That's why I think anything is possible at the moment. Also that Max won't finish the year at Red Bull. There have been team changes in the middle of the season before.”
Schumacher has even experienced this scenario in his own family. In 1991, his brother Michael moved from Jordan to Benetton after his debut race in Spa.
Legal dispute Horner vs. BusinessF1
So much for the sporting theaters of war. The legal battlefield is currently being prepared by the respected London law firm Harbottle&Lewis, which, on behalf of Christian Horner, is threatening the trade magazine “BusinessF1” with, among other things, a claim for damages. The industry magazine published a 19-page story about the Horner case last weekend - with juicy details below the belt.
The magazine also claimed that Horner's wife, ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, kicked her husband out of their home because of his antics. The Brit denies that. His Geri, who telegenically strolled through the paddock in Bahrain holding hands with her husband, would continue to support him.
Worth knowing when evaluating a potential lawsuit: Harbottle&Lewis made a name for themselves when they defended Prince Andrew in 2015. The Duke of York is said to have been a good acquaintance of the American Jeffrey Epstein, who was later convicted of pedophilia. Andrew strongly denied all allegations of being involved in the pedophilia scandal.
