Red Bull boss Christian Horner claimed in Jeddah that there are no problems internally at the team. It may turn out not to be entirely true.
Despite Christian Horner stating in Jeddah that everyone within the team is aligned, sources have told F1 Insider that Horner’s days as the team principal of Red Bull Racing are numbered.
Until now, Horner had only the Thai shareholders on his side, but they have now decided to support team Austria, the media reports.
The key figures at Red Bull Racing are keeping tight-lipped. It was Jos Verstappen, last Sunday, who mentioned that the current situation is driving the team apart. Jos obviously wants the best for his son, Max, and has thus called for Horner’s departure.
According to Jos, the turmoil surrounding Horner and the internal investigation is distracting from the team’s on-track activities. The three-time champion has tied his fate to that of Helmut Marko, and it appears that the Thai shareholders are now also shifting their support.
Thailand backs Austria
Multiple sources have informed F1 Insider that the Thai shareholders are now following the advice of the Austrian minority. One reason is said to be the American market, which is very important for Red Bull. Several influential women’s rights activists are reportedly planning a boycott of Red Bull in the United States.
Moreover, the Thai leaders are concerned that the female employee who filed the complaint against Horner will speak out in the coming days and take action against the rejected investigation.
‘Exit before the Australian GP’
It seems the unrest surrounding Horner is reaching a climax, which could mean his departure from Red Bull Racing in the near future.
“Horner is apparently about to lose the power struggle at Red Bull. According to well-informed sources, he will be dismissed before the next race in Australia,” it was reported according to GPFans.
The German newspaper Bild has spoken with a spokesperson from the Austrian team. They denied the earlier report from F1 Insider: “As Christian already said, he is thankful for the full support of the shareholders, and that will continue.”
