Christian Horner – latest: Red Bull F1 boss comments on investigation and Red Bull’s testing results
Christian Horner wants his Red Bull future to be resolved “as soon as possible” as the embattled team principal fights to save his Formula One career.
Red Bull Racing’s parent company Red Bull GmbH announced on February 5 that Horner is being investigated following an accusation of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague. Horner denies the claim.
Horner addressed the media alongside four other F1 team principals on the second day of this week’s three-day test in Bahrain on Thursday. The new season starts in the Gulf kingdom next Saturday.
Asked why he has not moved aside as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing with the investigation under way, Horner replied: “As you are well aware there is a process going on which I form part of, and as I form part of that process, I am afraid I cannot comment on it.”
Follow the latest news below.
Christian Horner investigation – latest news
Red Bull team principal investigated over alleged ‘inappropriate, controlling behaviour’
LATEST: Christian Horner hopes investigation is concluded ‘as soon as possible’
Toto Wolff says investigation is a ‘problem for all of F1'
EXCLUSIVE: Sky F1 make grand prix commentator change for 2024 season
Future Red Bull engine partner Ford have commented on the investigation
Christian Horner - latest: Horner in the paddock today
15:55 , Kieran Jackson
As he said last week, “business as usual.”
Christian Horner - latest: Follow F1 testing live!
15:22 , Kieran Jackson
The 2024 Formula 1 season is underway with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit – just a week before the first race of the season at the same track.
It’s been a busy off-season in the world of F1: from Lewis Hamilton’s shock 2025 move to Ferrari being announced to the current investigation into the behaviour of Red Bull boss Christian Horner, there’s been no shortage of intriguing storylines.
But Thursday sees the cars out on track with three days of testing, as the drivers and teams get up to speed quickly ahead of a record-breaking 24-race season.
Who will set the early benchmark? And can anyone possibly challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull this year? Testing will give us our first indicator.
F1 testing 2024 day two LIVE: Pre-season lap times and updates from in Bahrain
Christian Horner - latest: Horner on when investigation may conclude
14:37 , Kieran Jackson
“I am dreadfully sorry but I really can’t comment on the process or the timescale.
“Everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible. But I am really not at liberty to comment about the process.”
McLaren boss Zak Brown on Horner allegations
13:45 , Kieran Jackson
“The allegations are extremely serious,” said Brown.
“McLaren hold themselves to the highest standards of diversity, equality and inclusion.
“These are extremely important to us and our partners, and to everyone in Formula One.
“Red Bull Corporation has launched an investigation, and all we hope and assume is that it will be handled in a very transparent way, and as the FIA and Formula One has said, swiftly, because these are not the headlines that Formula One wants or needs at this time.”
Christian Horner wants his future resolved ‘as soon as possible’ amid ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe
13:25 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner wants his Red Bull future to be resolved “as soon as possible” as the embattled team principal fights to save his Formula One career.
Red Bull Racing’s parent company Red Bull GmbH announced on February 5 that Horner is being investigated following an accusation of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague. Horner denies the claim.
Horner addressed the media alongside four other F1 team principals on the second day of this week’s three-day test in Bahrain on Thursday. The new season starts in the Gulf kingdom next Saturday.
Asked why he has not moved aside as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing with the investigation under way, Horner replied: “As you are well aware there is a process going on which I form part of, and as I form part of that process, I am afraid I cannot comment on it.”
Full piece below:
Christian Horner wants his future resolved ‘as soon as possible’
Christian Horner - latest: Horner at team principals press conference
13:01 , Kieran Jackson
Horner on criticism by McLaren boss Zak Brown on Red Bull owning two teams:
“I don’t understand the noise that’s being created about it.
“The commitment that Red Bull has made to these two teams is outstanding and should be applauded, and be grateful for, rather than derided.”
Christian Horner - latest: Horner at team principals press conference
12:04 , Kieran Jackson
Horner on Red Bull investigation:
“There is a process underway and since I am part of it, I cannot comment on it”
“We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible”
Christian Horner - latest: Horner at team principals press conference
11:57 , Kieran Jackson
Horner on the Red Bull car, the RB20:
“Creativity has been shown, but it is a long season and there is room to build”
Christian Horner - latest: Horner is in the chair!
11:32 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner has taken his chair for the team principals’ press conference in Bahrain!
Updates to follow shortly.
Christian Horner - latest: Press conference
11:01 , Kieran Jackson
We are expecting Christian Horner to appear at the team principals’ press conference in half-an-hour.
Will the Red Bull boss have anything further to say on the current investigation?
Christian Horner profile: The Red Bull F1 Drive to Survive star married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
10:54 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner’s influence on Formula One – from the 31-year-old hotshot team principal in 2005 to unmissable mainstay of the paddock nearly 20 years on – is unquestionable. The Red Bull boss was tasked with a monumental mission when he was put in charge of the energy drink giant’s peculiar foray into the pinnacle of world motorsport in the mid-2000s. The castle he has built since has been stratospherically impressive.
Case in point was last year’s near-perfect season, winning 21 out of 22 races. It has all been, perhaps, even beyond his own lofty aspirations.
But it could all come crumbling down. As details emerged last Monday, Horner is now subject to an investigation by Red Bull’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, after a complaint of “inappropriate behaviour” was made by a female colleague. Horner strongly denies the allegations.
Full piece below:
Christian Horner: The Drive to Survive star married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
Christian Horner: Helmut Marko defends timing of investigation
10:44 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has defended the timing of the company’s “inappropriate behaviour” investigation into F1 team principal and chief executive Christian Horner.
Horner, the longest-serving team principal on the F1 grid, has been accused of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” from a female colleague, with the team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH opening an investigation into the 50-year-old’s conduct.
Horner strongly denied the claims when they were first publicised on February 5 and repeated those rebukes at the team’s 2024 F1 car launch last week in Milton Keynes.
With the matter set to drag on into pre-season testing this week - with the first race of the season next Saturday on 2 March - F1 has urged Red Bull to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.
Full story below:
Helmut Marko defends Red Bull over Christian Horner investigation
Christian Horner: Ford speak out on Christian Horner situation
10:30 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull’s future engine supplier Ford Motor Co. said it is awaiting the results of an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour by team principal Christian Horner, but a top executive stressed that Ford holds its company and partners to very high moral standards.
Ford is slated to become Red Bull’s engine supplier in 2026 and is the first of Red Bull’s existing partners to comment on the controversy surrounding Horner. The team leader has remained defiant in his denial of claims of misconduct made to parent company Red Bull, which two weeks ago announced it had launched an independent investigation into the claims.
Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said Friday at Daytona International Speedway that Ford is awaiting the outcome of the investigation into Horner.
“As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners,” Rushbrook said. “It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.”
F1 testing session cancelled after Lewis Hamilton runs over loose drain cover
10:26 , Kieran Jackson
Formula 1 endured another incident with a loose drain cover as the morning session on day two of testing was cancelled in Bahrain.
Lewis Hamilton, driving in the W15 for the first time ahead of his final season with Mercedes, ran over the loose cover on the edge of the kerb at turn 11.
While circuit officials inspected the damage, the session was suspended and then cancelled with one hour left.
Instead, the afternoon session on Thursday has been brought forward by one hour – to 11am (GMT) – and is set to last five hours.
F1 testing session cancelled after Lewis Hamilton runs over loose drain cover
Christian Horner - latest: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fastest in opening F1 Bahrain testing session
10:06 , Kieran Jackson
Max Verstappen put Red Bull’s off-track troubles to one side by setting the pace in the opening testing session in Bahrain.
Red Bull’s preparations for the new campaign have been overshadowed by allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” against team principal Christian Horner.
Horner, who is in Bahrain for this week’s three-day test ahead of the opening round, also in the Gulf kingdom, on March 2, emphatically denies the accusations made by a female colleague.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fastest in opening F1 Bahrain testing session
Christian Horner - latest: How did Red Bull boss Christian Horner get into F1?
09:59 , Kieran Jackson
A promising karter in his teenage years, Horner raced for two years in the late 1990s for Arden in Formula 3000, then the final stage before a potential F1 seat. Yet one moment in a pre-season test, when unable to match Juan Pablo Montoya’s commitment into a high-speed corner, told him all he needed to know.
Montoya would go on to race in F1, Horner would not. Abruptly, he retired from racing at the age of 25 and opted to cross over to the management side of the Arden team.
It was there he built up his early reputation, winning junior titles. But despite his relative immaturity in a motorsport management ecosystem then dominated by elder statesmen of the sport – Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis, Ross Brawn etc. – his sights were still firmly set on Formula One.
Though talks with Eddie Jordan about a takeover fell through, at the age of 31 Horner became the youngest team principal on the grid when he was trusted with overseeing Red Bull’s entry into the sport, when the company’s co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz decided to venture into motorsport by purchasing Jaguar.
Christian Horner - latest: Toto Wolff calls for transparency in Red Bull’s Christian Horner investigation
09:50 , Kieran Jackson
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has called for Red Bull’s investigation into Christian Horner to be transparent – and said the controversy is “an issue for all of Formula One”.
Horner is under investigation by the racing team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH following a claim of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague.
The 50-year-old emphatically denies the accusation and remains in his role as Red Bull team principal.
He is in Bahrain for this week’s three-day test ahead of the opening race, also in the Gulf Kingdom, on March 2.
And Horner has stated it is his intention to be in his post for the start of the new campaign.
“It is clear,” Wolff said when asked to address the allegations during the lunch interval on the first day of testing.
“Formula One and the teams stand for inclusion, equality, fairness and diversity, and that is not only about talking about it, but living it day in, day out. These are just standards we set ourselves.”
Full piece below:
Toto Wolff calls for transparency in Red Bull’s Christian Horner investigation
Christian Horner - latest: Horner is present at the paddock on Thursday
09:48 , Kieran Jackson
The Red Bull F1 boss is present on site in Bahrain again today.
He is scheduled to speak at a team principals’ press conference just after 11:30am (GMT).
Christian Horner - latest: The Red Bull F1 Drive to Survive star married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
02:13 , Mike Jones
Christian Horner’s influence on Formula One – from the 31-year-old hotshot team principal in 2005 to unmissable mainstay of the paddock nearly 20 years on – is unquestionable. The Red Bull boss was tasked with a monumental mission when he was put in charge of the energy drink giant’s peculiar foray into the pinnacle of world motorsport in the mid-2000s. The castle he has built since has been stratospherically impressive.
Case in point was last year’s near-perfect season, winning 21 out of 22 races. It has all been, perhaps, even beyond his own lofty aspirations.
But it could all come crumbling down. As details emerged last Monday, Horner is now subject to an investigation by Red Bull’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, after a complaint of “inappropriate behaviour” was made by a female colleague. Horner strongly denies the allegations.
Full piece below by Kieran Jackson:
Christian Horner: The Drive to Survive star married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
Christian Horner latest - official statements:
00:23 , Mike Jones
A Red Bull GmbH spokesperson told The Independent on Friday night: “As already stated, it would not be appropriate for us to comment before the investigation is completed.”
Red Bull Racing have refused to comment on the matter.
In the only official comment from the team or company since the investigation opened, Red Bull GmbH said in a statement on Monday: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
“This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fastest in opening F1 Bahrain testing session
Wednesday 21 February 2024 23:39 , Mike Jones
Max Verstappen put Red Bull’s off-track troubles to one side by setting the pace in the opening testing session in Bahrain.
Red Bull’s preparations for the new campaign have been overshadowed by allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” against team principal Christian Horner.
Horner, who is in Bahrain for this week’s three-day test ahead of the opening round, also in the Gulf kingdom, on March 2, emphatically denies the accusations made by a female colleague.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fastest in opening F1 Bahrain testing session
Behind the scenes at Red Bull’s F1 car launch – and Christian Horner’s words of defiance
Wednesday 21 February 2024 22:20 , Mike Jones
At the end of his umpteenth media scrum on Red Bull’s launch day and celebration of 20 years in Formula 1, Christian Horner could not resist a customary quick-witted remark.
Prodded and probed on the ongoing investigation into his conduct as team boss – he denies allegations from a female colleague of “inappropriate behaviour” – the unveiling of the RB20 car had fallen rapidly down the news agenda.
Horner, however, was keen to avert attention back to the machine likely to spearhead Max Verstappen’s charge to a fourth successive championship this year.
“Do you like the cooling on the car then?!” he said, as he slumbered from British journalists to Dutch journalists. In most years, Red Bull’s intriguing sidepod design would have been the focus. Not this year.
Behind the scenes at Red Bull’s F1 car launch amid Christian Horner investigation
FIA make statement on Horner investigation
Wednesday 21 February 2024 21:30 , Mike Jones
F1’s governing body, the FIA, made a brief statement on Monday morning, insisting they will not be commenting further until the probe is concluded.
“In relation to the independent investigation currently being undertaken by Red Bull GMbH, the FIA reiterates that until such time as the investigation has concluded and the outcome is known, we will not be commenting further,” read an FIA statement.
“The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusivity within the sport.”
Christian Horner - latest: Red Bull boss at pre-season testing
Wednesday 21 February 2024 20:16 , Mike Jones
The Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, was on-site at testing in Bahrain and arrived on Wednesday morning alongside chief technical officer Adrian Newey - the team’s most famous executive duo!
Horner watched Max Verstappen’s early runs in testing inside the garage - not on the pitwall - early on and held conversations with his star man.
Christian Horner: Red Bull’s bold design and secret ‘sandbagging’: what can we expect from F1 testing?
Wednesday 21 February 2024 19:04 , Mike Jones
After one of the most frenetic off-seasons in recent Formula 1 history, teams and fans will see the 2024 crop of cars out on track for the first time in Bahrain this week.
Pre-season testing is often peculiar: plenty of flow-vis paint and aero-rakes appear on cars to measure initial performance. Varied lap times, fuel load and set-ups mean the leaderboard at the end of each day should be taken with a pinch of salt.
But for the drivers and teams, it’s invaluable. With 24 hours of running over three days, each driver should receive 12 hours of time in the car, with the focus fully on the performance and reliability of their 2024 challenger.
So with just nine days to go until the start of the new season, beyond the ongoing investigation surrounding Red Bull boss Christian Horner and some intriguing media sessions with the likes of Lewis Hamilton after his move to Ferrari, what else can we expect from testing in Bahrain?
Full piece below:
Red Bull’s bold design and secret ‘sandbagging’: what can we expect from F1 testing?
How did Red Bull boss Christian Horner get into F1?
Wednesday 21 February 2024 18:00 , Mike Jones
A promising karter in his teenage years, Horner raced for two years in the late 1990s for Arden in Formula 3000, then the final stage before a potential F1 seat. Yet one moment in a pre-season test, when unable to match Juan Pablo Montoya’s commitment into a high-speed corner, told him all he needed to know.
Montoya would go on to race in F1, Horner would not. Abruptly, he retired from racing at the age of 25 and opted to cross over to the management side of the Arden team.
It was there he built up his early reputation, winning junior titles. But despite his relative immaturity in a motorsport management ecosystem then dominated by elder statesmen of the sport – Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis, Ross Brawn etc. – his sights were still firmly set on Formula One.
Though talks with Eddie Jordan about a takeover fell through, at the age of 31 Horner became the youngest team principal on the grid when he was trusted with overseeing Red Bull’s entry into the sport, when the company’s co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz decided to venture into motorsport by purchasing Jaguar.
Christian Horner: When will we hear the result of the investigation?
Wednesday 21 February 2024 17:02 , Mike Jones
Reports indicate that Red Bull - much like F1 - are keen for the investigation into Horner’s conduct to be concluded as soon as possible, perhaps as early as later this week.
Pre-season testing has started in Bahrain, with Horner present in the Red Bull garage and the first race of the season at the Sakhir circuit is on 2nd March.
Christian Horner: Ford speak out on Christian Horner situation
Wednesday 21 February 2024 16:24 , Mike Jones
Red Bull’s future engine supplier Ford Motor Co. said it is awaiting the results of an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour by team principal Christian Horner, but a top executive stressed that Ford holds its company and partners to very high moral standards.
Ford is slated to become Red Bull’s engine supplier in 2026 and is the first of Red Bull’s existing partners to comment on the controversy surrounding Horner. The team leader has remained defiant in his denial of claims of misconduct made to parent company Red Bull, which two weeks ago announced it had launched an independent investigation into the claims.
Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said Friday at Daytona International Speedway that Ford is awaiting the outcome of the investigation into Horner.
“As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners,” Rushbrook said. “It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.”
Christian Horner: Helmut Marko defends timing of investigation
Wednesday 21 February 2024 15:40 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has defended the timing of the company’s “inappropriate behaviour” investigation into F1 team principal and chief executive Christian Horner.
Horner, the longest-serving team principal on the F1 grid, has been accused of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” from a female colleague, with the team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH opening an investigation into the 50-year-old’s conduct.
Horner strongly denied the claims when they were first publicised on February 5 and repeated those rebukes at the team’s 2024 F1 car launch last week in Milton Keynes.
With the matter set to drag on into pre-season testing this week - with the first race of the season next Saturday on 2 March - F1 has urged Red Bull to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.
Full story below:
Helmut Marko defends Red Bull over Christian Horner investigation
Christian Horner - latest: Toto Wolff calls for transparency in Red Bull’s Christian Horner investigation
Wednesday 21 February 2024 14:50 , Kieran Jackson
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has called for Red Bull’s investigation into Christian Horner to be transparent – and said the controversy is “an issue for all of Formula One”.
Horner is under investigation by the racing team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH following a claim of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague.
The 50-year-old emphatically denies the accusation and remains in his role as Red Bull team principal.
He is in Bahrain for this week’s three-day test ahead of the opening race, also in the Gulf Kingdom, on March 2.
And Horner has stated it is his intention to be in his post for the start of the new campaign.
“It is clear,” Wolff said when asked to address the allegations during the lunch interval on the first day of testing.
“Formula One and the teams stand for inclusion, equality, fairness and diversity, and that is not only about talking about it, but living it day in, day out. These are just standards we set ourselves.”
Full piece below:
Toto Wolff calls for transparency in Red Bull’s Christian Horner investigation
Follow F1 testing live!
Wednesday 21 February 2024 14:00 , Kieran Jackson
The 2024 Formula 1 season is underway with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit – just a week before the first race of the season at the same track.
It’s been a busy off-season in the world of F1: from Lewis Hamilton’s shock 2025 move to Ferrari being announced to the current investigation into the behaviour of Red Bull boss Christian Horner, there’s been no shortage of intriguing storylines.
But Wednesday sees the cars out on track for the first time with three days of testing, as the drivers and teams get up to speed quickly ahead of a record-breaking 24-race season.
Who will set the early benchmark? And can anyone possibly challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull this year? Testing will give us our first indicator.
F1 testing 2024 LIVE: Pre-season updates, live timing and schedule from Bahrain
Christian Horner profile: The Red Bull F1 Drive to Survive star married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
Wednesday 21 February 2024 13:10 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner’s influence on Formula One – from the 31-year-old hotshot team principal in 2005 to unmissable mainstay of the paddock nearly 20 years on – is unquestionable. The Red Bull boss was tasked with a monumental mission when he was put in charge of the energy drink giant’s peculiar foray into the pinnacle of world motorsport in the mid-2000s. The castle he has built since has been stratospherically impressive.
Case in point was last year’s near-perfect season, winning 21 out of 22 races. It has all been, perhaps, even beyond his own lofty aspirations.
But it could all come crumbling down. As details emerged last Monday, Horner is now subject to an investigation by Red Bull’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, after a complaint of “inappropriate behaviour” was made by a female colleague. Horner strongly denies the allegations.
Full piece below:
Christian Horner: The Drive to Survive star married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
Christian Horner: FIA make statement on Horner investigation
Wednesday 21 February 2024 12:24 , Kieran Jackson
F1’s governing body, the FIA, made a brief statement on Monday morning, insisting they will not be commenting further until the probe is concluded.
“In relation to the independent investigation currently being undertaken by Red Bull GMbH, the FIA reiterates that until such time as the investigation has concluded and the outcome is known, we will not be commenting further,” read an FIA statement.
“The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusivity within the sport.”
Christian Horner: Ford speak out on Christian Horner situation
Wednesday 21 February 2024 11:40 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull’s future engine supplier Ford Motor Co. said it is awaiting the results of an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour by team principal Christian Horner, but a top executive stressed that Ford holds its company and partners to very high moral standards.
Ford is slated to become Red Bull’s engine supplier in 2026 and is the first of Red Bull’s existing partners to comment on the controversy surrounding Horner. The team leader has remained defiant in his denial of claims of misconduct made to parent company Red Bull, which two weeks ago announced it had launched an independent investigation into the claims.
Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said Friday at Daytona International Speedway that Ford is awaiting the outcome of the investigation into Horner.
“As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners,” Rushbrook said. “It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.”
Christian Horner: Red Bull’s bold design and secret ‘sandbagging’: what can we expect from F1 testing?
Wednesday 21 February 2024 10:30 , Kieran Jackson
After one of the most frenetic off-seasons in recent Formula 1 history, teams and fans will see the 2024 crop of cars out on track for the first time in Bahrain this week.
Pre-season testing is often peculiar: plenty of flow-vis paint and aero-rakes appear on cars to measure initial performance. Varied lap times, fuel load and set-ups mean the leaderboard at the end of each day should be taken with a pinch of salt.
But for the drivers and teams, it’s invaluable. With 24 hours of running over three days, each driver should receive 12 hours of time in the car, with the focus fully on the performance and reliability of their 2024 challenger.
So with just nine days to go until the start of the new season, beyond the ongoing investigation surrounding Red Bull boss Christian Horner and some intriguing media sessions with the likes of Lewis Hamilton after his move to Ferrari, what else can we expect from testing in Bahrain?
Full piece below:
Red Bull’s bold design and secret ‘sandbagging’: what can we expect from F1 testing?
Follow F1 testing live!
Wednesday 21 February 2024 09:30 , Kieran Jackson
The 2024 Formula 1 season is underway with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit – just a week before the first race of the season at the same track.
It’s been a busy off-season in the world of F1: from Lewis Hamilton’s shock 2025 move to Ferrari being announced to the current investigation into the behaviour of Red Bull boss Christian Horner, there’s been no shortage of intriguing storylines.
But Wednesday sees the cars out on track for the first time with three days of testing, as the drivers and teams get up to speed quickly ahead of a record-breaking 24-race season.
Who will set the early benchmark? And can anyone possibly challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull this year? Testing will give us our first indicator.
F1 testing 2024 LIVE: Pre-season updates, live timing and schedule from Bahrain
Christian Horner - latest: Red Bull boss at testing paddock
Wednesday 21 February 2024 07:37 , Kieran Jackson
The Red Bull team principal is on-site at testing in Bahrain and arrived this morning alongside chief technical officer Adrian Newey - the team’s most famous executive duo!
Horner watching Max Verstappen’s early runs in testing inside the garage - not on the pitwall - early on and in conversation with his star man.
Christian Horner - latest: Helmut Marko defends timing of investigation
Wednesday 21 February 2024 07:30 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has defended the timing of the company’s “inappropriate behaviour” investigation into F1 team principal and chief executive Christian Horner.
Horner, the longest-serving team principal on the F1 grid, has been accused of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” from a female colleague, with the team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH opening an investigation into the 50-year-old’s conduct.
Horner strongly denied the claims when they were first publicised on February 5 and repeated those rebukes at the team’s 2024 F1 car launch last week in Milton Keynes.
With the matter set to drag on into pre-season testing this week - with the first race of the season next Saturday on 2 March - F1 has urged Red Bull to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.
Full story below:
Helmut Marko defends Red Bull over Christian Horner investigation
Christian Horner - latest: How did Red Bull boss get into F1?
Wednesday 21 February 2024 06:10 , Kieran Jackson
A promising karter in his teenage years, Horner raced for two years in the late 1990s for Arden in Formula 3000, then the final stage before a potential F1 seat. Yet one moment in a pre-season test, when unable to match Juan Pablo Montoya’s commitment into a high-speed corner, told him all he needed to know.
Montoya would go on to race in F1, Horner would not. Abruptly, he retired from racing at the age of 25 and opted to cross over to the management side of the Arden team.
It was there he built up his early reputation, winning junior titles. But despite his relative immaturity in a motorsport management ecosystem then dominated by elder statesmen of the sport – Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis, Ross Brawn etc. – his sights were still firmly set on Formula One.
Though talks with Eddie Jordan about a takeover fell through, at the age of 31 Horner became the youngest team principal on the grid when he was trusted with overseeing Red Bull’s entry into the sport, when the company’s co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz decided to venture into motorsport by purchasing Jaguar.
Christian Horner: F1 testing 2024 session timings in Bahrain and how to watch
Wednesday 21 February 2024 04:15 , Kieran Jackson
The times for testing – at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir – are as follows:
(All times GMT)
Wednesday 21 February
7am-11am – Morning session
12pm-4pm – Afternoon session
Thursday 22 February
7am-11am – Morning session
12pm-4pm – Afternoon session
Friday 23 February
7am-11am – Morning session
12pm-4pm – Afternoon session
What time is F1 2024 pre-season testing in Bahrain?
WATCH: Christian Horner speaks for first time since investigation into ‘inappropriate behaviour’
Wednesday 21 February 2024 02:20 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner spoke out about the allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him for the first time at the Red Bull car launch last Thursday in Milton Keynes.
Max Verstappen re-iterates Red Bull commitment
Wednesday 21 February 2024 00:30 , Kieran Jackson
“My dream is to win races. I have a lot of respect for the brand Ferrari and of course I hope to see a lot of different teams competing for wins,” he said at the RB20 car launch
“But at the moment I’m very happy where I’m at so I don’t see myself leaving at the moment.”
Verstappen will be the favourite when the new F1 season begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix on 2 March.
Christian Horner: F1 testing 2024 session timings in Bahrain and how to watch
Tuesday 20 February 2024 22:45 , Kieran Jackson
The times for testing – at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir – are as follows:
(All times GMT)
Wednesday 21 February
7am-11am – Morning session
12pm-4pm – Afternoon session
Thursday 22 February
7am-11am – Morning session
12pm-4pm – Afternoon session
Friday 23 February
7am-11am – Morning session
12pm-4pm – Afternoon session
What time is F1 2024 pre-season testing in Bahrain?
Christian Horner: When will we hear the result of the investigation?
Tuesday 20 February 2024 21:00 , Kieran Jackson
Reports indicate that Red Bull - much like F1 - are keen for the investigation into Horner’s conduct to be concluded as soon as possible, perhaps as early as later this week.
Pre-season testing starts in Bahrain tomorrow with the first race of the season at the Sakhir circuit on 2 March.
Red Bull’s bold design and secret ‘sandbagging’: what can we expect from F1 testing?
Tuesday 20 February 2024 19:20 , Kieran Jackson
After one of the most frenetic off-seasons in recent Formula 1 history, teams and fans will see the 2024 crop of cars out on track for the first time in Bahrain this week.
Pre-season testing is often peculiar: plenty of flow-vis paint and aero-rakes appear on cars to measure initial performance. Varied lap times, fuel load and set-ups mean the leaderboard at the end of each day should be taken with a pinch of salt.
But for the drivers and teams, it’s invaluable. With 24 hours of running over three days, each driver should receive 12 hours of time in the car, with the focus fully on the performance and reliability of their 2024 challenger.
So with just nine days to go until the start of the new season, beyond the ongoing investigation surrounding Red Bull boss Christian Horner and some intriguing media sessions with the likes of Lewis Hamilton after his move to Ferrari, what else can we expect from testing in Bahrain?
Red Bull’s bold design and secret ‘sandbagging’: what can we expect from F1 testing?
Christian Horner: Ford speak out on Christian Horner situation
Tuesday 20 February 2024 17:45 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull’s future engine supplier Ford Motor Co. said it is awaiting the results of an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour by team principal Christian Horner, but a top executive stressed that Ford holds its company and partners to very high moral standards.
Ford is slated to become Red Bull’s engine supplier in 2026 and is the first of Red Bull’s existing partners to comment on the controversy surrounding Horner. The team leader has remained defiant in his denial of claims of misconduct made to parent company Red Bull, which two weeks ago announced it had launched an independent investigation into the claims.
Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said Friday at Daytona International Speedway that Ford is awaiting the outcome of the investigation into Horner.
“As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners,” Rushbrook said. “It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.”
Christian Horner - latest: Helmut Marko defends timing of investigation
Tuesday 20 February 2024 16:22 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has defended the timing of the company’s “inappropriate behaviour” investigation into F1 team principal and chief executive Christian Horner.
Horner, the longest-serving team principal on the F1 grid, has been accused of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” from a female colleague, with the team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH opening an investigation into the 50-year-old’s conduct.
Horner strongly denied the claims when they were first publicised on February 5 and repeated those rebukes at the team’s 2024 F1 car launch last week in Milton Keynes.
With the matter set to drag on into pre-season testing this week - with the first race of the season next Saturday on 2 March - F1 has urged Red Bull to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.
Full story below:
Helmut Marko defends Red Bull over Christian Horner investigation
Christian Horner - latest: Helmut Marko defends timing of investigation
Tuesday 20 February 2024 14:37 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has defended the timing of the company’s investigation into Red Bull team principal.
With the matter set to drag on into pre-season testing this week - with the first race of the season on 2 March - F1 has urged to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.
But Marko defended the team’s stance. Speaking to Red Bull’s ServusTV channel about the Horner situation, Marko said: “As you know, this is an internal investigation.
“The sooner a result is available, the better because of course, rumours and other stories are bound to sprout due to the long duration.
“[But] I think Red Bull has reacted very well in this matter. The long duration of this investigation is not their fault. They are endeavouring to [have] a fair investigation and then react accordingly.”
Christian Horner - latest: F1 wants Horner matter ‘clarified at earliest opportunity’
Tuesday 20 February 2024 14:10 , Kieran Jackson
Formula One has called for Christian Horner’s Red Bull future to be “clarified at the earliest opportunity”.
Horner’s role as Red Bull team principal remains in the balance following a claim of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague.
Speaking at Red Bull Racing’s car launch in Milton Keynes last Thursday, the 50-year old continued to emphatically deny the allegations made against him, and insisted he would be in Bahrain for the opening race of the season on March 2.
F1 wants Christian Horner matter ‘clarified at earliest opportunity’
Christian Horner latest - official statements:
Tuesday 20 February 2024 13:15 , Kieran Jackson
A Red Bull GmbH spokesperson told The Independent on Friday night: “As already stated, it would not be appropriate for us to comment before the investigation is completed.”
Red Bull Racing have refused to comment on the matter.
In the only official comment from the team or company since the investigation opened, Red Bull GmbH said in a statement on Monday: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
“This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
Christian Horner - latest: How did Red Bull boss get into F1?
Tuesday 20 February 2024 12:20 , Kieran Jackson
A promising karter in his teenage years, Horner raced for two years in the late 1990s for Arden in Formula 3000, then the final stage before a potential F1 seat. Yet one moment in a pre-season test, when unable to match Juan Pablo Montoya’s commitment into a high-speed corner, told him all he needed to know.
Montoya would go on to race in F1, Horner would not. Abruptly, he retired from racing at the age of 25 and opted to cross over to the management side of the Arden team.
It was there he built up his early reputation, winning junior titles. But despite his relative immaturity in a motorsport management ecosystem then dominated by elder statesmen of the sport – Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis, Ross Brawn etc. – his sights were still firmly set on Formula One.
Though talks with Eddie Jordan about a takeover fell through, at the age of 31 Horner became the youngest team principal on the grid when he was trusted with overseeing Red Bull’s entry into the sport, when the company’s co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz decided to venture into motorsport by purchasing Jaguar.
Christian Horner - latest: Will Horner be in Bahrain?
Tuesday 20 February 2024 11:35 , Kieran Jackson
Yes.
Horner confirmed to journalists at the car launch last week that he will be in Bahrain for testing this week.
The investigation into his conduct is still ongoing and, until an outcome is reached, he will continue in his duties as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing.
Christian Horner - latest: F1 testing 2024 session timings in Bahrain and how to watch
Tuesday 20 February 2024 10:45 , Kieran Jackson
The times for testing – at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir – are as follows:
(All times GMT)
Wednesday 21 February
7am-11am – Morning session
12pm-4pm – Afternoon session
Thursday 22 February
7am-11am – Morning session
12pm-4pm – Afternoon session
Friday 23 February
7am-11am – Morning session
12pm-4pm – Afternoon session
What time is F1 2024 pre-season testing in Bahrain?
Christian Horner - latest: FIA make statement on Horner investigation
Tuesday 20 February 2024 09:51 , Kieran Jackson
F1’s governing body, the FIA, have made a brief statement this morning, insisting they will not be commenting further until the probe is concluded.
“In relation to the independent investigation currently being undertaken by Red Bull GMbH, the FIA reiterates that until such time as the investigation has concluded and the outcome is known, we will not be commenting further,” read an FIA statement.
“The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusivity within the sport.”
Christian Horner - latest: When will we hear result of the investigation?
Tuesday 20 February 2024 08:31 , Kieran Jackson
reports indicate that Red Bull - much like F1 - are keen for the investigation into Horner’s conduct to be concluded as soon as possible, perhaps as early as this week.
Pre-season testing starts in Bahrain tomorrow with the first race of the season at the Sakhir circuit on 2 March.
