Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Max Verstappen’s new-look RB20 revealed
Red Bull are the 10th and final team to launch their 2024 F1 car on Thursday night - with team boss Christian Horner set to be present despite the current investigation into alleged “inappropriate behaviour.”
The world champions, who won 21 out of 22 races last year, will unveil the RB20 at their HQ in Milton Keynes with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez also attending the event.
Red Bull are live-streaming the reveal of their car at 7:30pm (GMT) on Thursday evening, with interviews with the drivers and Horner following half an hour later.
Mercedes unveiled their W15 car on Wednesday, with Lewis Hamilton appearing for the first time in public since his 2025 move to Ferrari was announced. Pre-season testing gets underway next week, with the first race of the season in Bahrain on 2 March.
Follow live updates from Red Bull’s car launch
RED BULL 2024 F1 CAR LAUNCH - LATEST UPDATES
Red Bull have launched their 2024 car - the RB20 - at their base in Milton Keynes
Christian Horner has appeared in public for the first time since the investigation into alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour'
Max Verstappen also spoke out in light of the investigation centred on Horner
Verstappen also had his say on Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari
Max Verstappen reacts to ‘awkward’ Lewis Hamilton move to Ferrari
Thursday 15 February 2024 20:25 , Kieran Jackson
Max Verstappen says the timing of Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 move to Ferrari is a “bit awkward” but insists he was “not surprised” by the Mercedes driver changing teams.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton shocked the world of Formula 1 a fortnight ago with the news that he will leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season following 12 years and six titles with the Silver Arrows.
Hamilton, 39, will join Ferrari next year and team up with Charles Leclerc, leaving Carlos Sainz without a seat currently for 2025.
Verstappen, who came out on top in the fierce and memorable 2021 title battle against Hamilton, spoke to the media at Red Bull’s 2024 F1 car launch on Thursday and commented on the morale in the team amid the ongoing probe into Christian Horner’s conduct.
Yet on Hamilton’s impending move to Ferrari, Verstappen said: “I think at the end of the day, seeing him go to Ferrari is not a surprise. If that’s your goal as a kid or your dream, then you go right.
Full piece below:
Max Verstappen reacts to ‘awkward’ Lewis Hamilton move to Ferrari
Max Verstappen speaks out as investigation focused on Christian Horner’s conduct continues
Thursday 15 February 2024 20:09 , Kieran Jackson
Max Verstappen revealed his relationship with Christian Horner remains “very good” despite the ongoing investigation into the Red Bull team principal’s conduct.
Horner insists he has the “overwhelming” support of Verstappen and Red Bull as a whole amidst allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” made against him by a female colleague. The Red Bull F1 boss repeatedly denied the accusations when questioned on Thursday.
While Horner and Verstappen refused to comment on the nature of the complaint, the team’s star driver insisted the morale of the team is “better than ever” heading into the new Formula 1 season despite the investigation.
When asked about the morale, Verstappen said at the team’s 2024 car launch on Thursday: “It’s fantastic. It’s been honestly better than ever because I think everyone is enjoying their role.
Full piece below:
Christian Horner breaks silence at Red Bull F1 car launch amid ‘inappropriate behaviour’ allegations
Thursday 15 February 2024 20:01 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner insists the support he has received from within Red Bull has been “overwhelming” as the F1 boss broke his silence amid the ongoing investigation into his conduct.
The Red Bull team principal also repeatedly denied the allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” made against him by a female colleague and insisted he was “confident in the process” clearing his name. He could give no timeframe on when the investigation will conclude.
Appearing publicly for the first time since the investigation was publicised – at Red Bull’s 2024 F1 car launch at their HQ in Milton Keynes – Horner added that he intends on being in Bahrain for pre-season testing next week.
While unable to comment on the nature of the investigation itself, Horner appeared composed and undeterred by the allegations, continually insisting it was “business as normal” at the world-championship winning team ahead of the new Formula 1 season starting on 2 March.
Full piece below:
Christian Horner breaks silence after allegations over behaviour at Red Bull launch
Finally time to see the car
Thursday 15 February 2024 20:00 , Sonia Twigg
Here is a first look at the RB20:
Daniel Ricciardo refuses to comment on allegations
Thursday 15 February 2024 19:53 , Mike Jones
Daniel Ricciardo spent several seasons as a Red Bull driver and is now back in the team’s stable at the re-titled Visa Cash App RB team.
Understandably not passing comment on the allegations made against his former principal Christian Horner, the Australian did admit that he felt like he was back “at home” after returning to the grid last season.
“Getting back into Red Bull and the family, I feel so much at home, so the truth is this is where I want to be,” Ricciardo told Reuters. “I am embracing it a lot more because a year ago I was unsure if I would race Formula One ever again ...”
“Deep down I knew I wasn’t done but there was no guarantee I would be offered a seat again.
“I think it is a year when the team takes that step and (is) not seen as a Red Bull junior team anymore. It’s a team that is going to stand on its own two feet and hopefully make some noise.”
Red Bull set to pay record entry fee
Thursday 15 February 2024 19:36 , Mike Jones
Red Bull are set to pay record entry fee for 2024 F1 season. The 2013 revision of the Concorde Agreement that sets out the FIA’s regulations includes a ruling that entry fees for each competing team are determined by their success the season before.
A base fee of $657,837 (£521,691) is paid by all as a base fee, with an extra $6,575 (£5,214) per point on top. The Constructors’ Championship winners are hit even harder: Red Bull must pay $7,893 (£6,259) for each of their 860 points.
Here’s how much each team is set to pay.
Red Bull: $7,445,817 (£5,904,830)
Mercedes: $3,347,012 (£2,654,314)
Ferrari: $3,327,287 (£2,638,672)
McLaren: $2,643,487 (£2,096,391)
Aston Martin: $2,498,837 (£1,981,678)
Alpine: $1,446,837 (£1,147,400)
Williams: $841,937 (£667,690)
Visa Cash App RB: $822,212 (£652,047)
Stake: $763,037 (£605,119)
Haas: $736,737 (£584,261)
Will Red Bull face a more challenging 2024 season?
Thursday 15 February 2024 19:21 , Mike Jones
Speaking before the allegations were made, Christian Horner suggested that he expects a much more competitive season this year after Red Bull dominated the 2024 campaign.
“I couldn’t have imagined it in a million years,” Horner said of his team’s season, which saw Max Verstappen break records on his way to a third consecutive F1 crown.
“I don’t think we’ll ever see a repeat, certainly not in our lifetimes, of what we managed to achieve [last] year with a car that’s managed the kind of dominance of RB19 [the 2023 car].
“I’m fully expecting with stable regulations, [there’ll be] diminishing returns for us [this year] because I think we got to the top of the curve quicker than others.
“The field is going to converge. For us, it’s difficult to know who that will be. Will it be McLaren? Will it be Ferrari? Will it be Mercedes? It keeps moving around behind us. But that’s what we’re fully expecting going into [this] year.”
“There’s always a reset as you go into the following year. I’m convinced that you’ll see a lot more cars that look like the RB19 philosophy going into next year. If you stand still in this business, you tend to be going backwards. I think we have got up that curve quicker than others, but we’re into a law of diminishing returns.”
The cut-and-thrust F1 politics at play in Christian Horner and Red Bull’s power struggle
Thursday 15 February 2024 19:07 , Mike Jones
Comment by Kieran Jackson
Formula One team bosses come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some take the top job with a résumé bristling in world-class engineering, like ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto or current Williams team principal James Vowles. Some are businessmen at heart: Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and McLaren’s Zak Brown the clearest case-in-points on the current grid. But no matter the background, all of them must quickly master the art of politicking: engaging and thriving in the intricate and detailed politics of the sport. Or else, be swept by the wayside.
In this field, Christian Horner comes out on top. A team principal in 2005 at just 31 years of age, a feat executed by way of a close companionship with ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, 45 years his senior, the Red Bull boss has long been a master at the sport’s dark arts. Increasingly, as he enters 20 years in the sport, Horner has been the great white shark in F1’s “piranha club” – a term coined by ex-McLaren ringmaster Ron Dennis.
Yet for all his spin-doctoring and mind games in showdowns between big bosses and bigger egos – aired most recently on Netflix’s Drive to Survive – it is quarrelling in the background of his own Red Bull team that is the subtext to this week’s controversy.
Full piece below:
The F1 politics at play in Christian Horner and Red Bull’s power struggle
Marko addresses Christian Horner allegations
Thursday 15 February 2024 18:52 , Mike Jones
Back to the allegations against Christian Horner and Red Bull director Helmut Marko has addressed the case and (sort of) discussed whether it is affecting the team’s preparations for the new season
Marko said: “I can’t tell you that, nor can I say anything else on this subject. As long as the investigation is ongoing or there is no result, you won’t hear anything from me.
“It is an ongoing process. I hope that we can get our turbulence under control quickly. Fortunately, our car is ready and we are well prepared.”
Helmut Marko on Lewis Hamilton’s exit to Ferrari
Thursday 15 February 2024 18:38 , Mike Jones
Red Bull senior adviser Helmut Marko has also had his say on Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari.
“I see it as weakening Mercedes,” he said. “Whether it strengthens Ferrari remains to be seen.
“Overall, this has an incredible impact, right down to the stock market prices. It’s great that something is happening.
“That’s true [that Hamilton’s staying one final season with Mercedes will provide greater intrigue]. Normally, in a situation like this, your mind is already more focused on the new team.
“The current team cannot let him take part in any serious innovations because he would of course take them with him. The whole thing is excellent for sports, better than Netflix.”
Christian Horner investigaton latest updates
Thursday 15 February 2024 18:24 , Mike Jones
The last five days have come and gone with no further updates on the allegations made against Christian Horner. Here are the facts as we understand them:
Red Bull Formula One team boss Christian Horner attended a meeting on Friday after allegations about his conduct that have cast doubt on his future.
Horner is currently awaiting the outcome of an investigation into “inappropriate behaviour” levelled against the Red Bull boss by a female colleague.
Red Bull Racing and the Austrian energy drink parent company, who have not detailed the nature of the complaint, have remained tight-lipped.
The meeting was held in London at an undisclosed location, rather than at the team’s Milton Keynes factory. It lasted almost eight hours.
Red Bull are due to launch their 2024 F1 car on Thursday in Milton Keynes ahead of the new season.
Horner was at Red Bull’s secret shakedown event at Silverstone on Tuesday. He will appear at the launch on Thursday.
Horner’s close friend and former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has denied advising the Red Bull boss to step down.
Bernie Ecclestone denies advising Christian Horner
Thursday 15 February 2024 18:09 , Mike Jones
Following a few reports that former F1 supremo and close friend of Christian Horner, Bernie Ecclestone, advised the Red Bull boss to step down, the man himself has posted on social media to deny the reports.
He said: “To clarify reports by newspapers that I had urged or suggested that Christian Horner should step down from his position in Red Bull is entirely UNTRUE.”
Sergio Perez ‘highly unlikely’ to continue at Red Bull beyond 2024, says former F1 champion
Thursday 15 February 2024 17:57 , Mike Jones
Mika Hakkinen insists it’s “highly unlikely” that Red Bull will retain Sergio Perez beyond the 2024 season.
The Mexican driver, who replaced Alex Albon at the team ahead of the 2021 season, finished second in the drivers’ championship last year as Red Bull dominated the 2023 campaign.
However, Perez finished 290 points behind teammate Max Verstappen and won just two races, while the Dutchman won 19.
Perez’s contract with Red Bull ends at the end of next season and two-time F1 world champion Hakkinen believes Christian Horner’s team are set to move on from the Mexican after this year, with Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo among the names linked with the second seat for 2025 and beyond.
“Usually one or the other is slower – in this case Perez is slower than Max, it has been pretty clear lately,” the Finn told Unibet.
Christian Horner to attend Red Bull car launch amid ongoing probe into behaviour
Thursday 15 February 2024 17:41 , Mike Jones
Christian Horner will face the media on Thursday as an investigation into an allegation of “inappropriate behaviour” against the Red Bull team principal continues.
The embattled boss is due to attend the world champions’ car launch at their Milton Keynes headquarters in what will be his first public appearance since the accusation by a female colleague surfaced at the beginning of last week. Horner, 50, categorically denies the claim.
For now, Horner remains in his role as team principal and was present at a behind-closed-doors Red Bull test at Silverstone on Tuesday ahead of the new season which starts in just over a fortnight.
Red Bull will unveil their new car on Thursday and Horner is expected to address the media – although the PA news agency understands legalities around the process mean that questions relating to the internal investigation will be off-limits.
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Start time and how to watch
Thursday 15 February 2024 17:27 , Mike Jones
Red Bull are the 10th and final team to launch their 2024 F1 car on Thursday night - with team boss Christian Horner set to be present despite the current investigation into alleged “inappropriate behaviour.”
The world champions, who won 21 out of 22 races last year, will unveil the RB20 at their HQ in Milton Keynes with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez also attending the event.
Red Bull are live-streaming the reveal of their car at 7:30pm (GMT) on Thursday evening, with interviews with the drivers and Horner following half an hour later.
Max Verstappen unveils 2024 helmet for Red Bull
Thursday 15 February 2024 17:13 , Jack Rathborn
Red Bull ‘failed’ with RB19 despite dominating F1
Thursday 15 February 2024 16:30 , Jack Rathborn
Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache insists Sergio Perez’s struggles meant they “failed” due to the F1 challenger concept ensuring both drivers could feasibly obtain the “maximum”.
The RB19 proved to be one of the most dominant F1 challengers in the sport’s history, winning 21 of the 22 Grands Prix held.
Max Verstappen dominated, winning a sensational 19 of those 21 wins on his way to a third World Championship in as many years, but Perez struggled at times, leading to Wache commenting on how the team “failed” in some capacity.
Speaking to Formule1.nl Magazine, Wache said: “Developing a fast car is a concept, it doesn’t actually exist. A fast car is a car that the driver can get the maximum out of.
“In that sense, we failed, because only one driver, Max in this case, could drive well in the car.
“That is Max’s talent, that he could get the most out of the car, no matter the circumstances. On the other hand, we didn’t clearly understand what Checo needed to push the RB19 to its highest potential.
“But whether this year’s [2023] success is mainly down to Max or whether it’s the car after all? I think you need both. The more talent the driver has, the better the car performs. Because then the talent and the car come together.
“As you make a car easier to drive, you reduce its potential. Believe me, if I drove this car myself, not only would I be slow, I would crash.”
Toto Wolff on Mercedes’ chances of beating Red Bull
Thursday 15 February 2024 16:00 , Jack Rathborn
"On one hand, you need to be realistic about the odds of beating a team that is a fair chunk ahead under these regulations, and who got things right over the last two seasons whilst we have not," the Mercedes boss said.
"There are no miracles in the sport. On the other hand, our ambition is strong. It is Red Bull and a very successful car that are the benchmark we are aiming to beat.
"I do not know when that will happen, we do not have any crystal ball. But we will know soon enough how far ahead they are and the task in front of us."
Christian Horner: The Red Bull F1 Drive to Survive star married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
Thursday 15 February 2024 15:30 , Jack Rathborn
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 on 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. The Associated Press elaborates slightly further, claiming it is about the 50-year-old’s aggressive management style. Horner strongly denies the allegations and there will be a hearing on Friday.
Red Bull GmbH has handed over the matter to an “external specialist barrister” to conduct the investigation, thus illustrating the seriousness of the matter and how it is being dealt with by Red Bull GmbH chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff. With less than a month until the new F1 season, it represents a vital moment in the team’s 19-year history. And depending on the outcome, the ramifications for not just Red Bull but for the whole sport could be seismic.
Christian Horner: The Drive to Survive star married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch: Max Verstappen’s new-look RB20 to be revealed
Thursday 15 February 2024 15:00 , Jack Rathborn
Helmut Marko on Lewis Hamilton’s exit to Ferrari
Thursday 15 February 2024 14:30 , Jack Rathborn
“I see it as weakening Mercedes,” he said. “Whether it strengthens Ferrari remains to be seen.
“Overall, this has an incredible impact, right down to the stock market prices. It’s great that something is happening.
“That’s true [that Hamilton’s staying one final season with Mercedes will provide greater intrigue]. Normally, in a situation like this, your mind is already more focused on the new team.
“The current team cannot let him take part in any serious innovations because he would of course take them with him.
“The whole thing is excellent for sports, better than Netflix.”
Red Bull set to pay record entry fee for 2024 F1 season
Thursday 15 February 2024 14:00 , Jack Rathborn
The success of Red Bull during the 2023 Formula 1 season means that the team is set to pay a record entry fee in 2024.
Max Verstappen was virtually untouchable as he cruised to a third consecutive world title, with the Red Bull driver taking race victories at 19 of the 22 season stops.
With teammate Sergio Perez also securing two race victories, the team ultimately totalled 860 points across the season, 451 more than closest rivals Mercedes.
While the financial rewards that come with such success are obviously significant, F1 rules mean that Red Bull will have to outlay more than any other team to remain on the grid in 2024.
Red Bull set to pay record entry fee for 2024 F1 season
The cut-and-thrust F1 politics at play in Christian Horner and Red Bull’s power struggle
Thursday 15 February 2024 13:30 , Jack Rathborn
ormula One team bosses come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some take the top job with a résumé bristling in world-class engineering, like ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto or current Williams team principal James Vowles. Some are businessmen at heart: Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and McLaren’s Zak Brown the clearest case-in-points on the current grid. But no matter the background, all of them must quickly master the art of politicking: engaging and thriving in the intricate and detailed politics of the sport. Or else, be swept by the wayside.
In this field, Christian Horner comes out on top. A team principal in 2005 at just 31 years of age, a feat executed by way of a close companionship with ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, 45 years his senior, the Red Bull boss has long been a master at the sport’s dark arts. Increasingly, as he enters 20 years in the sport, Horner has been the great white shark in F1’s “piranha club” – a term coined by ex-McLaren ringmaster Ron Dennis.
Yet for all his spin-doctoring and mind games in showdowns between big bosses and bigger egos – aired most recently on Netflix’s Drive to Survive – it is quarrelling in the background of his own Red Bull team that is the subtext to this week’s controversy. Horner, 50, is fighting for his job after being accused of inappropriate controlling behaviour by a female colleague.
The F1 politics at play in Christian Horner and Red Bull’s power struggle
Helmut Marko breaks silence on Red Bull’s Christian Horner investigation
Thursday 15 February 2024 13:00 , Jack Rathborn
Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has broken his silence over the Christian Horner investigation.
The F1 team’s boss is being investigated by Red Bull Racing’s parent company Red Bull GmbH over alleged behavioural grounds.
There is very little detail surrounding the complaints, with Horner strongly refuting all allegations made against him.
The 50-year-old attended a hearing in London last Friday, meeting with the external barrister appointed by Red Bull GmbH.
Helmut Marko breaks silence on Red Bull’s Christian Horner investigation
Helmut Marko breaks silence on Red Bull’s Christian Horner investigation
Thursday 15 February 2024 12:30 , Jack Rathborn
Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has broken his silence over the Christian Horner investigation.
The F1 team’s boss is being investigated by Red Bull Racing’s parent company Red Bull GmbH over alleged behavioural grounds.
There is very little detail surrounding the complaints, with Horner strongly refuting all allegations made against him.
The 50-year-old attended a hearing in London last Friday, meeting with the external barrister appointed by Red Bull GmbH.
Helmut Marko breaks silence on Red Bull’s Christian Horner investigation
Sergio Perez primed for 2024 season with point to prove
Thursday 15 February 2024 12:00 , Jack Rathborn
Sergio Perez will be determined to show he can hang with Max Verstappen and make a case for extending his stay with the team.
Checo has a new helmet, including his mantra: “Never give up.”
Natural colour🟡 + Mexican flag🇲🇽= Checo#F1
pic.twitter.com/fNeoW5LYsg— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) February 14, 2024
Pierre Wache on working closely with Adrian Newey
Thursday 15 February 2024 11:20 , Jack Rathborn
Pierre Waché has spoken about working closely with Adrian Newey as the Red Bull engineers aim to retain their dominance in 2024.
“Without him, I would not have been at Red Bull,” said the Frenchman, according to Formule 1, who is a member of our senior technical group and has been with the team since 2013. “He is the man who got me here. I have since my arrival learned an enormous amount from him. How we work together has evolved over the years.”
“Adrian is a very competitive person. He never gives up. In many ways, he is a source of inspiration to me. His motivation and dedication are impressive, especially when you consider what he has already achieved. Every day he still challenges you to make things even better.”
Helmut Marko on RB20’s performance
Thursday 15 February 2024 10:40 , Jack Rathborn
“This will be shown next week during the tests in Bahrain. What can already be said is that the new car is an evolution from the previous year’s car, and we had the best package,” says one of the main players at Red Bull.
“If we eliminate the few weak points, not much should actually go wrong. But who knows: Maybe a competitor has succeeded in a special trick in the development.”
Former Red Bull chief engineer begins role at McLaren
Thursday 15 February 2024 10:00 , Jack Rathborn
Red Bull will be without Rob Marshall this season, the former chief engineering officer is teaming up with McLaren this season.
Marshall will be the team's new technical director for design and engineering in what has been a major restructure.
McLaren have also poached David Sanchez from Ferrari, who will serve as technical director for car concept and performance, while Peter Prodromou is in charge of the aerodynamic side.
Christian Horner to attend Red Bull car launch amid behaviour investigation
Thursday 15 February 2024 09:20 , Philip Duncan, PA
Christian Horner will face the media on Thursday as an investigation into an allegation of “inappropriate behaviour” against the Red Bull team principal continues.
The embattled boss is due to attend the world champions’ car launch at their Milton Keynes headquarters in what will be his first public appearance since the accusation by a female colleague surfaced at the beginning of last week. Horner, 50, categorically denies the claim.
For now, Horner remains in his role as team principal and was present at a behind-closed-doors Red Bull test at Silverstone on Tuesday ahead of the new season which starts in just over a fortnight.
Red Bull will unveil their new car on Thursday and Horner is expected to address the media - although the PA news agency understands legalities around the process mean that questions relating to the internal investigation will be off-limits.
Last week, Horner was quizzed by a lawyer for eight hours as part of the probe by Red Bull Racing’s parent company Red Bull GmBH.
There had been a strong desire for Horner’s future to be resolved before Thursday’s launch but sources have indicated that he could face further rounds of questioning as he bids to prove his innocence.
Horner has been Red Bull team principal since they entered F1 19 years ago and is the longest-serving boss on the grid.
During that period he has overseen seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles. Red Bull have dominated the sport in recent seasons and last year won 21 of the 22 races, with Max Verstappen setting a new record for 10 consecutive victories.
F1 release start times for 2024 season
Thursday 15 February 2024 08:58 , Luke Baker
Some on-track news to bring you. F1 have released all the race times for the upcoming 2024 season. Four proper evening races in there, plus a couple of late-afternoon/prevening start times where it may well get dark before racing concludes.
This is the sign that the season is edging ever closer!
Mark your calendars 📆 and set your alarms 🚨!
The final 2024 @F1 start times are out
Times quoted include seasonal adjustments such as BST pic.twitter.com/OXRboNjbwD— FIA (@fia) February 14, 2024
PROFILE - Christian Horner: The Red Bull F1 Drive to Survive star married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
Thursday 15 February 2024 08:30 , Luke Baker
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
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Key dates to know in Christian Horner case
Thursday 15 February 2024 08:10 , Luke Baker
The allegations against Christian Horner, which the Red Bull team principal strongly denies, arrived just as Formula 1 gears up for the new season, with pre-season testing in Bahrain just weeks away.
Here are a few key dates to know as the season draws nearer with Horner’s future still, seemingly, up in the air.
Thursday 15 February: Red Bull launch car for 2024 season
21-23 February: Preseason testing in Bahrain
Friday 23 February: New season of Drive to Survive available on Netflix
1-3 March: Bahrain Grand Prix
Lando Norris given target by McLaren boss for 2024 after unveiling new car
Thursday 15 February 2024 07:40 , Luke Baker
McLaren‘s new MCL38 Formula 1 car made its track debut at a soggy Silverstone on Wednesday with team chief executive Zak Brown setting out a target of wins as well as podiums this season.
The former champions finished fourth overall in 2023 with Britain’s Lando Norris and Australian rookie Oscar Piastri.
Norris finished on the podium seven times, including six second places, while Piastri was second in Qatar and third in Japan.
“We feel good, it’s been a good winter. We’re happy with the development,” Brown told Sky Sports television. “It feels like we’ve continued on our development pace from where we were in the second half of last year.
“So as long as the data is accurate I think we should start pretty strong. Of course you never know what the competition is doing but we definitely feel we’ve taken a step forward.”
Lando Norris given target by McLaren boss for 2024 season
F1 Drive to Survive: Season 6 release date and everything you need to know
Thursday 15 February 2024 07:01 , Luke Baker
For the sixth year running, Drive to Survive will air on Netflix as the cameras show behind-the-scenes access following the Formula 1 circus around the world.
Season six will follow the trials and tribulations of the 2023 F1 season, with another 10 episodes focusing on the 10 teams and 20 drivers.
The 2023 season was a year dominated by Max Verstappen, with the Red Bull driver winning 19 out of 22 races. The Dutchman – who refused to appear in series four in protest over the various narratives the series produces – is set to feature, alongside team-mate Sergio Perez and boss Christian Horner.
When does Drive to Survive season 6 come out on Netflix? Release date and more
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Bernie Ecclestone denies reports he gave advice to Red Bull boss Christian Horner
Thursday 15 February 2024 06:01 , Luke Baker
Following a few reports that former F1 supremo and close friend of Christian Horner, Bernie Ecclestone, advised the Red Bull boss to step down, the man himself has posted on social media to deny the reports.
He said: “To clarify reports by newspapers that I had urged or suggested that Christian Horner should step down from his position in Red Bull is entirely UNTRUE.”
When Red Bull boss Horner was quickly making a name for himself in F1 with results on the track and influence off the track, he gained the trust and support of F1 supremo Ecclestone, who backed his entrance into F1 in 2005.
So much so, in fact, that Horner served as best man at Ecclestone’s wedding to third wife Fabaina in 2012, and then vice-versa when Horner married Geri Halliwell three years later. Their straight-talking similarities seemed to trump the 43-year age gap.
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Will Red Bull face a more challenging 2024 season?
Thursday 15 February 2024 05:01 , Luke Baker
Speaking before the allegations were made, Christian Horner suggested that he expects a much more competitive season this year after Red Bull dominated the 2024 campaign.
“I couldn’t have imagined it in a million years,” Horner said of his team’s season, which saw Max Verstappen break records on his way to a third consecutive F1 crown.
“I don’t think we’ll ever see a repeat, certainly not in our lifetimes, of what we managed to achieve [last] year with a car that’s managed the kind of dominance of RB19 [the 2023 car].
“I’m fully expecting with stable regulations, [there’ll be] diminishing returns for us [this year] because I think we got to the top of the curve quicker than others.
“The field is going to converge. For us, it’s difficult to know who that will be. Will it be McLaren? Will it be Ferrari? Will it be Mercedes? It keeps moving around behind us. But that’s what we’re fully expecting going into [this] year.”
“There’s always a reset as you go into the following year. I’m convinced that you’ll see a lot more cars that look like the RB19 philosophy going into next year. If you stand still in this business, you tend to be going backwards. I think we have got up that curve quicker than others, but we’re into a law of diminishing returns.”
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Lando Norris confident he can take title fight to Max Verstappen
Thursday 15 February 2024 04:01 , Luke Baker
Lando Norris insists he can take the championship fight to Max Verstappen after declaring the Dutchman’s Red Bull team as “beatable”.
McLaren emerged as the closest contender to Red Bull last year following an impressive mid-season turnaround with Norris scoring seven podiums.
The 24-year-old, gearing up for his sixth season on the Formula One grid, last month committed his future to McLaren by signing a contract extension which will keep him with the British team for at least the next three seasons.
Red Bull won all but one of the 22 rounds last season, with Verstappen cruising to his third world title in as many years.
But speaking at McLaren’s car launch on Wednesday, Norris said: “If you were to ask, ‘are Red Bull beatable?’ I am going to have to say ‘yes’.”
Lando Norris confident he can take title fight to Max Verstappen
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: The cut-and-thrust F1 politics at play in Christian Horner and Red Bull’s power struggle
Thursday 15 February 2024 03:01 , Luke Baker
Comment by Kieran Jackson
Formula One team bosses come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some take the top job with a résumé bristling in world-class engineering, like ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto or current Williams team principal James Vowles. Some are businessmen at heart: Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and McLaren’s Zak Brown the clearest case-in-points on the current grid. But no matter the background, all of them must quickly master the art of politicking: engaging and thriving in the intricate and detailed politics of the sport. Or else, be swept by the wayside.
In this field, Christian Horner comes out on top. A team principal in 2005 at just 31 years of age, a feat executed by way of a close companionship with ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, 45 years his senior, the Red Bull boss has long been a master at the sport’s dark arts. Increasingly, as he enters 20 years in the sport, Horner has been the great white shark in F1’s “piranha club” – a term coined by ex-McLaren ringmaster Ron Dennis.
Yet for all his spin-doctoring and mind games in showdowns between big bosses and bigger egos – aired most recently on Netflix’s Drive to Survive – it is quarrelling in the background of his own Red Bull team that is the subtext to this week’s controversy.
Full piece below:
The F1 politics at play in Christian Horner and Red Bull’s power struggle
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Daniel Ricciardo refuses to comment on Christian Horner allegations
Thursday 15 February 2024 02:01 , Luke Baker
Daniel Ricciardo spent several seasons as a Red Bull driver and is now back in the team’s stable at the re-titled Visa Cash App RB team.
Understandably he was not passing comment on the allegations made against his former principal Christian Horner but the Australian did admit that he felt like he was back “at home” after returning to the grid last season.
“Getting back into Red Bull and the family, I feel so much at home, so the truth is this is where I want to be,” Ricciardo told Reuters. “I am embracing it a lot more because a year ago I was unsure if I would race Formula One ever again ...”
“Deep down I knew I wasn’t done but there was no guarantee I would be offered a seat again.
“I think it is a year when the team takes that step and (is) not seen as a Red Bull junior team anymore. It’s a team that is going to stand on its own two feet and hopefully make some noise.”
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Team set to pay record entry fee
Thursday 15 February 2024 01:01 , Luke Baker
Red Bull are set to pay record entry fee for 2024 F1 season. The 2013 revision of the Concorde Agreement that sets out the FIA’s regulations includes a ruling that entry fees for each competing team are determined by their success the season before.
A base fee of $657,837 (£521,691) is paid by all as a base fee, with an extra $6,575 (£5,214) per point on top. The Constructors’ Championship winners are hit even harder: Red Bull must pay $7,893 (£6,259) for each of their 860 points.
Here’s how much each team is set to pay.
Red Bull: $7,445,817 (£5,904,830)
Mercedes: $3,347,012 (£2,654,314)
Ferrari: $3,327,287 (£2,638,672)
McLaren: $2,643,487 (£2,096,391)
Aston Martin: $2,498,837 (£1,981,678)
Alpine: $1,446,837 (£1,147,400)
Williams: $841,937 (£667,690)
Visa Cash App RB: $822,212 (£652,047)
Stake: $763,037 (£605,119)
Haas: $736,737 (£584,261)
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Christian Horner update as Red Bull chief to make first appearance since investigation at F1 car launch
Wednesday 14 February 2024 23:58 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner will be present at Red Bull’s 2024 F1 car launch on Thursday despite the current internal investigation centred on his alleged “inappropriate behaviour.”
The Red Bull team principal will face the media as the world champions reveal their RB20 car but is likely to be limited in what he can say on the matter due to legal reasons, as his future at the helm hangs in the balance.
Horner, who has been in charge of Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005, met with the external lawyer tasked with leading the investigation in central London last Friday. He strongly denies the allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” by a female colleague.
Horner, 50, was also on-site at Silverstone on Tuesday at a secret filming day for Red Bull as he goes about his duties as team principal and chief executive normally, despite the investigation by the team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH.
Christian Horner update as Red Bull chief set to appear at F1 car launch
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Start time and how to watch
Wednesday 14 February 2024 22:00 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull are the 10th and final team to launch their 2024 F1 car on Thursday night - with team boss Christian Horner set to be present despite the current investigation into alleged “inappropriate behaviour.”
The world champions, who won 21 out of 22 races last year, will unveil the RB20 at their HQ in Milton Keynes with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez also attending the event.
Red Bull are live-streaming the reveal of their car at 7:30pm (GMT) on Thursday evening, with interviews with the drivers and Horner following half an hour later.
Emotional Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on ‘surreal’ end to Mercedes career
Wednesday 14 February 2024 19:58 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton admits the past few weeks have been “emotional” and “surreal” as the Mercedes driver appeared in public for the first time since his 2025 move to Ferrari was announced.
Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton is about to embark on his 12th and final season with Mercedes following the news that he will join the Scuderia next year.
Hamilton, who has won six of his seven titles with Mercedes, was present at the launch of the Silver Arrows’ 2024 F1 car – the W15 – at Silverstone on Wednesday morning and emphasised his “excitement” on the eve of another Formula 1 season.
“It’s obviously been emotional, it’s very surreal to be here,” said Hamilton, when asked about the last few weeks.
Full piece below:
Emotional Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on ‘surreal’ end to Mercedes F1 career
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Christian Horner update
Wednesday 14 February 2024 18:55 , Kieran Jackson
The last five days have come and gone with no further updates on the allegations made against Christian Horner. Here are the facts as we understand them:
Red Bull Formula One team boss Christian Horner attended a meeting on Friday after allegations about his conduct that have cast doubt on his future.
Horner is currently awaiting the outcome of an investigation into “inappropriate behaviour” levelled against the Red Bull boss by a female colleague.
Red Bull Racing and the Austrian energy drink parent company, who have not detailed the nature of the complaint, have remained tight-lipped.
The meeting was held in London at an undisclosed location, rather than at the team’s Milton Keynes factory. It lasted almost eight hours.
Red Bull are due to launch their 2024 F1 car on Thursday in Milton Keynes ahead of the new season.
Horner was at Red Bull’s secret shakedown event at Silverstone on Tuesday. Horner will appear at the launch on Thursday.
Horner’s close friend and former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has denied advising the Red Bull boss to step down.
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Bernie Ecclestone denies advising Christian Horner
Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:58 , Kieran Jackson
Following a few reports that former F1 supremo and close friend of Christian Horner, Bernie Ecclestone, advised the Red Bull boss to step down, the man himself has posted on social media to deny the reports.
He said: “To clarify reports by newspapers that I had urged or suggested that Christian Horner should step down from his position in Red Bull is entirely UNTRUE.”
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Christian Horner update as Red Bull chief to make first appearance since investigation at F1 car launch
Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:29 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner will be present at Red Bull’s 2024 F1 car launch on Thursday despite the current internal investigation centred on his alleged “inappropriate behaviour.”
The Red Bull team principal will face the media as the world champions reveal their RB20 car but is likely to be limited in what he can say on the matter due to legal reasons, as his future at the helm hangs in the balance.
Horner, who has been in charge of Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005, met with the external lawyer tasked with leading the investigation in central London last Friday. He strongly denies the allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” by a female colleague.
Horner, 50, was also on-site at Silverstone on Tuesday at a secret filming day for Red Bull as he goes about his duties as team principal and chief executive normally, despite the investigation by the team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH.
Christian Horner update as Red Bull chief set to appear at F1 car launch
Red Bull F1 2024 car launch LIVE: Start time and how to watch
Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:24 , Kieran Jackson
Red Bull are the 10th and final team to launch their 2024 F1 car on Thursday night - with team boss Christian Horner set to be present despite the current investigation into alleged “inappropriate behaviour.”
The world champions, who won 21 out of 22 races last year, will unveil the RB20 at their HQ in Milton Keynes with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez also attending the event.
Red Bull are live-streaming the reveal of their car at 7:30pm (GMT) on Thursday evening, with interviews with the drivers and Horner following half an hour later.
