Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has initiated legal proceedings against the prominent Dutch publication, Telegraaf, as disclosed by motorsport-total.com.
The lawsuit stems from the newspaper’s extensive coverage of an investigation involving Horner, which includes allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Telegraaf was the first to bring the matter to light on February 2nd, revealing that Horner had undergone an extensive eight-hour session with independent attorneys appointed by Red Bull for an internal probe.
During this session, he was presented with a file containing detailed complaints from an employee accusing Horner of “transgressive behaviour.”
According to Telegraaf, the allegations also include Horner’s attempts to hush up the matter by offering a significant monetary settlement to the complainant, who alleges to have received unsuitable messages “regularly and for a considerable time.”
Erik van Haren, journalist of Telegraaf revealed Christian Horner has allegedly been accused of sexual misconduct (sending messages of a sexual nature), according to reports and documents. It is said Horner’s lawyers made an offer on Feb. 3 to the victim to settle for £650,000.
In response to these allegations, Horner told Sky Sports UK, “I deny all accusations made against me. But naturally, I am collaborating with the investigations, which I hope will be concluded in the near future.”
He emphasized his dedication to clearing his name while noting his recent time spent with Jos and Max at Silverstone, where he received strong support from Max, who remains “completely focused on his work.”
Furthermore, insiders close to Horner refute claims that he was presented with an opportunity to resign while preserving his dignity, attributing the suggested departure to vague ‘health problems’ rather than any internal discord within the Red Bull team aiming for his dismissal.
Red Bull Racing does not officially comment on the published story by Telegraaf. Jos Verstappen was contacted by Motorsport-Total.com on Friday afternoon. He also does not want to comment on the matter.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport consultant, has turned off his cell phone. Red Bull’s position is clear: until the investigation is completed, there is nothing to say.
