Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner learned last week that he was under investigation by the team due to ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behavior’ made against him. The investigation began this week on Friday, during which Horner was questioned for several hours.
It seems unlikely that the investigation will reach a conclusion in these early stages. However, with the upcoming season approaching soon, the question arises: Will Christian Horner accompany Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez as they look to continue their F1 dominance into the next season?
Will Red Bull team have Christian Horner in F1 2024?
Late last week, on Monday, news broke out that ‘serious allegations’ had been made against Red Bull boss Christian Horner due to ‘inappropriate behavior’ towards a team employee. Following these reports, Red Bull carried out an in-house investigation against Horner on Friday.
Fast forward to today, and the investigation is set to continue after no resolution was reached during the first interview with the Formula 1 team principal on Friday. Red Bull, who previously stated that “investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible,” is now refusing to make any comments before the investigation is completed.
Based on Sky Sport‘s report, there is no indication that the investigation is being run according to Red Bull’s F1 timescale. “The timing is undoubtedly awkward for the team, but the clear priority is fairness to all parties involved,” per the news outlet.
Another report by The Sun states that Horner is ‘not expected to survive’ per F1 sources.
Amidst these ‘contradictory’ reports, it’s still uncertain whether Horner will continue with Red Bull or be replaced by an ‘ideal’ candidate; only the final decision of the investigation will clear all the air out.
Who could replace Christian Horner at Red Bull if he leaves?
In the scenario of Christian Horner being axed, Red Bull is shortlisting candidates who would perfectly fit the bill. Out of all the names being circulating, only two seem to be the ‘ideal replacement’: current Red Bull Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley and the Hitech GP’s leader Oliver Oakes.
The 36-year-old Oliver Oakes was a part of the Red Bull junior team [not AlphaTauri] during his own career and has kept a ‘good’ relationship with the Red Bull camp.
But from what Sportszion understands, Jonathan Wheatley seems to be the favorite to replace Christain Horner. Wheatley has been one of the main driving forces behind Red Bull’s five constructor’s and six driver’s championships. He’s been described as the ‘man behind the record-breaking pit-stop team’. Under his supervision, the pit crews set a world record with a lightning-fast 1.82s stop for Max Verstappen at the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix.
According to German news site Motorsports Magazine, the current RB team manager would be “willing to step up and fill the [Honer’s] role, and continue RB’s dominance in the 2024 season. “
Will Red Bull axe Christian Horner ahead of next season? Who would be a perfect fit to replace him if he’s fired? Let us know your opinions in the comments.
