Max Verstappen’s dad, Jos, was present in the paddock on what turned out to be a chaotic Thursday for Red Bull. Christian Horner’s future remains a topic of hot debate despite being cleared of alleged inappropriate behaviour following a lengthy investigation.
Horner was all smiles at the start of the day as he resumed normal service after a complaint made by a female Red Bull employee was dismissed by the drinks company. The 50-year-old had been carrying out his F1 duties amid a backdrop of uncertainty while an independent barrister brought in by Red Bull compiled their findings.
On Thursday afternoon, another bombshell hit the paddock as a Google Drive folder, allegedly containing messages and photos from Horner to an unnamed person, was sent to journalists by an anonymous source.
The Red Bull team principal responded by saying: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.
“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way. It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made.”
According to The Times, Horner was seen leaving the Red Bull garage after Thursday’s Bahrain practice sessions before stopping for a quick word with F1 legend David Coulthard and heading inside.
The Dutchman dominated last season, winning 19 out of 22 Grands Prix and strolling to his third consecutive Drivers’ Championship. He is the red-hot favourite to make it four in a row this year.
Red Bull endured a tough second practice session on Thursday, with Verstappen posting the sixth-fastest time and Sergio Perez the tenth as Mercedes set the pace.
