Explosive report

Was Horner to be dismissed as early as February?

(Bild: APA/AFP/Andrej ISAKOVIC)

Reports have shed new light on the Christian Horner case. Apparently, Red Bull GmbH had already decided to dismiss the Briton in February. A press release had already been prepared. However, the team boss is said to have insisted on a contractual clause.

The affair surrounding Christian Horner is examined over 17 pages in the magazine "BusinessF1". It contains explosive new aspects. For example, it describes how the employee who made the allegations against the Briton broke down in tears on the sidelines of a race weekend and told colleagues about Horner's behavior. 

Many of the new details weigh heavily on the team boss, but are currently difficult to verify. However, a future with the racing team seems extremely unlikely at present. The decision to dismiss the 50-year-old was actually made back in February.

Termination was decided
On February 2, one day after the change of Hamilton became public, there was also alarm at Red Bull GmbH in Fuschl. Weeks earlier, they had already learned of the allegations against Horner. Following consultations, CEO Oliver Mintzlaff made the decision to dismiss the Briton.

Oliver Mintzlaff

(Bild: GEPA)

The team boss's behavior was not compatible with the code of conduct, according to the statement. A press release has reportedly already been prepared. As reported by "Motorsport-Total", however, the team wanted to give the Briton a face-saving farewell.

Horner insisted on a clause
In order to save the 50-year-old further damage, "health reasons" were cited. The Briton was informed and then called in his lawyers. They insisted on a contractual clause that gave the 50-year-old the right to an independent investigation.

Mintzlaff ultimately agreed to this and was allegedly convinced that the investigation would be unfavorable to Horner anyway due to the evidence. The CEO was therefore appalled by Horner's behavior.

When the results of the investigation were available, this is said to have caused surprise. Allegedly, the Thai Yoovidhya clan, majority owner of Red Bull GmbH, wanted to hold on to Horner. There are still doubts about the independence of the investigation.