Christian Horner's Red Bull F1 empire: The Spice Girl, the CEO and the scandal that broke it
Christian Horner didn’t just run Red Bull Racing — for nearly 20 years he was Red Bull Racing. From 2005, he transformed an energy drink brand’s gamble into a juggernaut that toppled giants like Ferrari and Mercedes. Six constructors’ championships, eight drivers’ titles, most recently with Max Verstappen dominating. That legacy now ends on a sour note.
Where it all began?
It began on 5 February 2024, when De Telegraaf broke the story: a Red Bull employee had lodged serious allegations about Horner’s “inappropriate, controlling behaviour”. The Times later revealed it was a female colleague behind the complaint. Horner denied everything and stayed in his role.
Red Bull’s chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff didn’t brush it aside. The company brought in an independent barrister, promising a “fair, rigorous and impartial” process. They said in a statement: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.”
Interrogation and defiance
On 9 February, Horner spent nine hours with the lawyer at a secret location. By 15 February, he was back in the spotlight for the launch of Red Bull’s 2024 car. Facing reporters, he called the allegations a “distraction”, adding: “I’m going through a process and fully respect it. For me, it is business as normal.” Verstappen, his star driver, said their relationship was “very good”.
Pressure builds
Formula One’s governing body weighed in on 18 February: “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity, after a fair and thorough process.” The longer it dragged on, the messier it got. On 20 February, Helmut Marko backed Red Bull’s approach: “They are endeavouring to [have] a fair investigation and then react accordingly.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team boss and Horner’s long-time sparring partner, demanded transparency. “Formula One and the teams stand for inclusion, equality, fairness and diversity… These are just standards we set ourselves,” Wolff said.
Ford weighs in
Ford, due to partner with Red Bull in 2026, wasn’t impressed either. In a letter dated 26 February, CEO Jim Farley wrote: “We are increasingly frustrated by the lack of resolution or clear indication from you about when you anticipate a fair and just resolution of this matter.” Farley warned Red Bull their “values are non-negotiable”.
Cleared but not cleared
On 28 February, Red Bull announced: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.” The complainant appealed — and on 8 August 2024, that appeal failed too.
Horner, speaking before the Dutch Grand Prix, said: “Obviously, it’s been a hugely thorough process and, of course, I was relieved with the appeal concluding and dismissing the claim. It is a private matter.”
Leaks and backlash
But the storm refused to blow over. On 29 February, just a day after the investigation was closed, leaked WhatsApp messages — some sexually suggestive — surfaced anonymously. The Independent which had reported on the issue, stated that it couldn’t verify the claims. Horner stood firm: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.”
By 3 March, Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, poured fuel on the fire: “The team is in danger of being torn apart… It will explode. He is playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems.”
A Red Bull spokesperson shot back: “There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing.”
Public drama, private strain
Through it all, Geri Halliwell stood by her husband. She appeared at the Bahrain Grand Prix, arm in arm with Horner, kissing him inside Red Bull’s hospitality suite after Verstappen’s victory. “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong,” Horner told reporters.
When asked if he’d stay, Horner insisted: “I am absolutely confident I will.”
That confidence didn’t hold. On 9 July 2025, out of the blue, Horner was sacked. No official link to the allegations — but the scandal, the leaks, the internal chaos after Dietrich Mateschitz’s death, and the team’s poor run this season finally tipped the scales.
Mintzlaff, the Red Bull CEO, said in his statement: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years… Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Two decades, six constructors’ titles, eight drivers’ crowns — and an ugly exit. Horner’s record is unmatched at Red Bull. But his departure leaves the paddock asking how a man who built a dynasty lost control of it all. The one certainty is this: Formula One never stays quiet for long.
Where it all began?
It began on 5 February 2024, when De Telegraaf broke the story: a Red Bull employee had lodged serious allegations about Horner’s “inappropriate, controlling behaviour”. The Times later revealed it was a female colleague behind the complaint. Horner denied everything and stayed in his role.
Red Bull’s chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff didn’t brush it aside. The company brought in an independent barrister, promising a “fair, rigorous and impartial” process. They said in a statement: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.”
Interrogation and defiance
On 9 February, Horner spent nine hours with the lawyer at a secret location. By 15 February, he was back in the spotlight for the launch of Red Bull’s 2024 car. Facing reporters, he called the allegations a “distraction”, adding: “I’m going through a process and fully respect it. For me, it is business as normal.” Verstappen, his star driver, said their relationship was “very good”.
Pressure builds
Formula One’s governing body weighed in on 18 February: “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity, after a fair and thorough process.” The longer it dragged on, the messier it got. On 20 February, Helmut Marko backed Red Bull’s approach: “They are endeavouring to [have] a fair investigation and then react accordingly.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team boss and Horner’s long-time sparring partner, demanded transparency. “Formula One and the teams stand for inclusion, equality, fairness and diversity… These are just standards we set ourselves,” Wolff said.
Ford weighs in
Ford, due to partner with Red Bull in 2026, wasn’t impressed either. In a letter dated 26 February, CEO Jim Farley wrote: “We are increasingly frustrated by the lack of resolution or clear indication from you about when you anticipate a fair and just resolution of this matter.” Farley warned Red Bull their “values are non-negotiable”.
Cleared but not cleared
On 28 February, Red Bull announced: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.” The complainant appealed — and on 8 August 2024, that appeal failed too.
Horner, speaking before the Dutch Grand Prix, said: “Obviously, it’s been a hugely thorough process and, of course, I was relieved with the appeal concluding and dismissing the claim. It is a private matter.”
Leaks and backlash
But the storm refused to blow over. On 29 February, just a day after the investigation was closed, leaked WhatsApp messages — some sexually suggestive — surfaced anonymously. The Independent which had reported on the issue, stated that it couldn’t verify the claims. Horner stood firm: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.”
By 3 March, Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, poured fuel on the fire: “The team is in danger of being torn apart… It will explode. He is playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems.”
A Red Bull spokesperson shot back: “There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing.”
Public drama, private strain
Through it all, Geri Halliwell stood by her husband. She appeared at the Bahrain Grand Prix, arm in arm with Horner, kissing him inside Red Bull’s hospitality suite after Verstappen’s victory. “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong,” Horner told reporters.
When asked if he’d stay, Horner insisted: “I am absolutely confident I will.”
That confidence didn’t hold. On 9 July 2025, out of the blue, Horner was sacked. No official link to the allegations — but the scandal, the leaks, the internal chaos after Dietrich Mateschitz’s death, and the team’s poor run this season finally tipped the scales.
Mintzlaff, the Red Bull CEO, said in his statement: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years… Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”
Two decades, six constructors’ titles, eight drivers’ crowns — and an ugly exit. Horner’s record is unmatched at Red Bull. But his departure leaves the paddock asking how a man who built a dynasty lost control of it all. The one certainty is this: Formula One never stays quiet for long.
Next Story