Christijan Albers, a former Formula One driver and team principal, called Christian Horner’s influence at Red Bull
“terrifying” and predicted that more information about his probe will come to light. After being accused of acting
inappropriately, the English executive was exonerated by the team after a protracted investigation.
Since then, Horner has kept his position, but the person who accused him—a fellow Red Bull worker—has been
placed on paid leave. Since Horner took his first laps on the Formula One grid this season in Bahrain, the team has
been surrounded by drama as the futures of important players Adrian Newey, Max Verstappen, and Helmut Marko
all became more questionable.
A Google Drive folder comprising purported WhatsApp messages and images between Horner and the colleague who
made the accusations was released to F1 journalists, team principals, and prominent figures in the sport on the eve of
the 2024 season start in the Middle East, following Horner’s clearance.
Albers thinks that this is just the beginning and that there will be more leaks. The contents of the folder have not yet
been confirmed, but they have stirred up additional controversy in the paddock.
“You make someone on the other side very irate and agitated by the way it’s all being picked up and just waved
away.” To the F1 podcast on De Telegraaf, Albers said, “I think a lot more will surface.”
“Then still this drive and envy to still be able to get that number one position and just chop everyone’s head off,” he
continued, calling it “terrifying” that the team principal is still employed by Red Bull.
Albers persisted in criticizing Horner’s leadership style, stating that senior advisor Marko was more important to
Red Bull’s success. He went on, “If you start looking very seriously, which drivers were in the car with him and which
drivers were in the car with Dr. Marko?
“gazing upon achievement. With all due respect, Marko is the source of all success formulas. Therefore, there is no
disagreement on who believes what when it comes to skill. Just Dr. Marko does that. who has consistently made the
right decisions. Since then, rumors have indicated that Horner’s accuser intends to file an appeal against the 50-
year-old’s exoneration. According to reports, the worker has switched attorneys and will appeal the parent
company’s decision.
Jos Verstappen, the father of Red Bull’s top driver Max Verstappen, has offered her support. He earlier called for
Horner to lose his position.
Since then, he has stated to the Daily Mail, “We shall see what happens, but I sympathize with the woman and all
that she went through.”
