Christian Horner Cleared of Allegations and Will Maintain Role With Red Bull

While the investigation into recent allegations against Christian Horner raised eye brows across the world. The worries from Red Bull can now be put to bed. Horner has been cleared of any wrong doing and will continue his role as Team Principal with Red Bull. The team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH initiated an external investigation into rumored allegations of inappropriate behaviors, aggressive leadership style and rumored sexual misconduct. However, these accusations have been deemed baseless and Horner can put all of his focus into the season opener.

Red Bull released the following, “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr. Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal.

Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial. The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned. Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”

The decision comes after Red Bull has received continued pressure from their partner auto manufacturer Ford. Whether the relationship has been strained is yet to be determined. Horner has traveled to Bahrain for the season opened set for this weekend. For now its business as usual at the Red Bull camp as they put this problem behind them.

Ferrari displayed significant performance gains from their 2023 campaign after topping the tables in the pre season test. The Ferraris always seemed to have the pace last year, but questionable strategy calls and misfortune plagued their 2023 season. It’s clear that the Ferrari camp is looking to put those woes behind and be the team that brings it to the Red Bulls who have shown no signs of slowing down.

Ferrari Top the Table on Day 2 and 3 of Testing

After Carlos Sainz topped day 2 of testing, Charles Leclerc stepped up to the top on day 3 for Ferrari. Leclcerc said, “Still difficult to known where we are. Gone through our program, no major issues. Good thing is no major surprises. Everything we expected we got, so that is good. Helps the guys to develop the car, everything seems to make sense.

How competitive we are, it’s difficult to understand. My feeling is that Red Bull are ahead. We have a stronger base compared to last year. Last year, it was difficult to understand which direction to develop. Very different story this year, know where we need to improve, gives us more hope.”

An analysis done by F1.com estimates the race pace of the grid as follows :

1. Red Bull
2. Mercedes +0.20s
3. Ferrari +0.22s
4. McLaren +0.43s
5. Aston Martin +0.62s
6. RB +0.73s
7. Sauber +1.09s
8. Alpine +1.09s
9. Williams + 1.25
10. Haas +1.49s

McLaren Beats Out Aston Martin

Aston Martin and McLaren find themselves in an ongoing shootout for the “best top 4” title that seems to house every championship worthy team every year. Both Aston Martin and McLaren had triumphs and defeats in 2023. However, after the short winter break it seems McLaren have found an edge. Lando Norris even hinted at the direction the team is thinking about. McLaren wants to be fighting with Mercedes and Red Bull. “A few setbacks over last few days,” Norris said. Not the end of world but always want a perfect day, we didn’t get any long running yesterday so moved it to this morning but we didn’t get it done. Not what we wanted but still a lot learned.

We’ve taken a step forward, made a lot of things better, but we never really know compared to others. We’re in a good position, had a decent car at end of last season, taken step in right direction. We’re still a long way behind Red Bull and Ferrari. Plenty of work still to achieve, but plenty learned in last few days.”

Haas Still Has No Answers

After three days of testing the F1.com analysis puts them just under 1.5 seconds behind the Red Bulls. Over the course of a race that time differential could reach numbers of laps. The team however, felt the test was positive.

Ayao Komatsu – Team Principal:

“So today we completed our first qualifying sim, looking at the low-fuel car balance, and then we completed two race simulations – one with Kevin, one with Nico. We successfully achieved all of this, despite the track issues today. It’s been a very, very good day basically. Our race simulations show that yes, we’ve got lots more work to do, but at the same time we’ve got a base car that we can actually race. Considering the qualifying performance – we haven’t worked on it at all, today was our first time looking at it, but again, it was decent. We’ve had a very good start to the season with all this preparation in testing. I’m very happy and my thanks to everyone on the team.”

Full Day 3 of F1 Pre Season Testing Results

19 drivers participated in the final day of testing. Logan Sargeant was the only drive who did not set a lap time on day 3.

Calros Sainz picked up the pace on day 2 of testing in Bahrain to top the table. Only 17 drivers participated on day 2. Max Verstappen, Alex Albon and George Russell all sat out of day 2. The morning session was cut short after a drain cover came up and concrete debris littered the track. When the the debris was cleared the drivers got back to business with Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez logging over 120 laps each.

The afternoon session was extended one hour for the lost time in the morning. Despite this Sainz was still able to edge a 0.7s advantage over Sergio Perez’s fastest lap. Sainz has had an up and down off season. His future at Ferrari is done after this season with the signing of Hamilton. 2024 is his year to prove he has what it takes to make one last run at the title and secure a seat for 2025. Tomorrow is the third and final day of testing.

Results from Day 2 of Testing

Max Verstappen picked up where he left off in 2023 on day one of testing in Bahrain. It was the debut of the new RB20 which features a number of changes from last year’s car. Verstappen logged 143 laps on the day and had a brief exchange at the top with McLaren man Lando Norris who’s fastest time was 1.1 seconds behind Verstappen. If this result carries through the weekend Verstappen may once again as the man to beat in 2024.

Verstappen said: “It feels good to be back in an F1 car again and I had fun out on track today. We covered a lot of laps and tried quite a few things with the car, which was important, so happy overall with how it went. After the winter break, the first few laps always surprise you a little but then you get back into the swing of things pretty quickly. Overall, the car was responding well and considering this was only testing we had a nice day. Looking to tomorrow, we are speaking to our engineers about what the plans will be, but I am looking forward to getting into the car in the afternoon.”

Positive Day for RB, Haas Struggles Continue

Daniel Ricciardo led the way for RB finishing just behind the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz; 4th fastest. The RB appears to have found a new swing of pace and confidence. The VCARB 01 program has undergone multiple personnel changes so it will be intriguing to see if they can continue this pace moving forward over then next couple of days. Yuki Tsnoda didn’t quite keep up on day one but the team seems satisfied with the performance of both drivers on day one of testing.

Haas ended the day at the bottom of the table on day one in Bahrain. Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenburg were over 4.5 seconds slower than Verstappen. If Haas are going to turn things around they will need to find some chemistry with the Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez did not set a time on day one of the test.

Full Day One Results Are Below

The Red Bull F1 Racing team principal attended the launch of the RB20; business as usual. Of course many questions still remain surrounding the details around the allegations of controlling and inappropriate behavior. However, it appears the investigation is still ongoing leaving fans with many questions as to the true severity of the allegations. Christian Horner has made it clear he denies all allegations and will not step down from his post. His appearance at the Red Bull Launch is a positive sign for his future with the team. Horner answered a slue of questions but a few of the following came from the media.

Q: You are in a situation (where) the chief executive might expect to be suspended while the allegations were investigated. Why hasn’t that been the process that has been taken at Red Bull? 

I think it’s been very clear. In the position of Red Bull, it has been business as normal, of course. (Investigating) the allegations is a process that Red Bull are running through, and (then confirming) that process externally, but you know, obviously there’s a job to do and I denied fully the accusations and my role obviously continues.

Q: Has it been a distraction?

Look, I think moments of uncertainty brings us together and I’ve never seen a team more together and supporting than (Red Bull) is. Everybody’s focused on one thing, which is the performance of that car to go out and defend both the world titles that we’ve worked so hard to achieve over the last couple of years. So the car is what everybody is invested in and I look forward to seeing it in action in Bahrain next week.

Q: What does the future look like? Do you see yourself still doing this job long term?

I’m absolutely committed to this team. I’ve been here since the beginning. I’ve built this team. There’s been highs and lows along the way. We have won 113 races. Won seven drivers’ world championships. We’ve won six constructors’ world championships in 19 seasons, and you know, that’s in the history books. But it’s what lies ahead – because that’s what’s important. So my focus is on the future. It’s on Red Bull Powertrains becoming a startup engine business. We have an advanced technology business system producing the first ever Red Bull track car and of course, there’s a lot going on the campus.

One thing that’s clear is Horner feels very confident that the allegations against him are a distraction. He appears to be fully cooperating and is business as usually which could be a positive for his future with Red Bull.

With the start of the season right around the corner Red Bull F1 team has released their livery design for the new RB20. The team is riding ahead full steam after a dominant performance in 2023 winning both the constructors and securing a 1-2 in the drivers championship. Verstappen said at the launch: “It does look a bit different. I think the team definitely pushed on quite a bit from last year and I think that’s very positive. I’m just looking forward to get to Bahrain, start testing and really see what the car is capable of.”

Early Testing Weathers Leaves Room For More

Verstappen had the opportunity to test the car at an early season testing event but the weather did not cooperate and heavy rain fell. He had the following comments regarding the test, “Unfortunately it was quite wet so you’re only driving on rain tires, but everything was working very well and I think that’s always great,” the 26-year-old explained. “You drive out of the box and there are no problems and you just do what you have to do before you get to Bahrain.”

Teammate Sergio Perez had the following comment regarding the launch, “You can see that the team has done an incredible job. We’ve gone very aggressive with the concept, so I’m looking forward to it.

I find it great from Red Bull that we’ve had such a dominant car last year, that we just changed completely our concept. It’s something that I think requires a lot of hunger in the team, to keep pushing all the boundaries. [It] will be interesting to see how everything feels on track.”

Today Formula 1 announced that the British Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar for the next 10 years. Silverstone and its owner, the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) will continue to deliver the legacy of racing that has seen 74 years of Formula 1 action. The 2024 British Grand Prix will take place July 5-7 where Max Verstappen will attempt to defend his win from last year’s dominant performance.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1

“I am delighted to announce that the British Grand Prix will remain on the calendar for 10 more years with this agreement. Silverstone is an iconic venue at the heart of F1 history and as it approaches its ninth decade hosting Grands Prix, the event continues to attract fans from around the world for fantastic racing on track and the amazing fan experience off it.

I would like to thank Peter Digby from the BRDC, Stuart Pringle and the whole Silverstone team for their hard work and dedication to take the British Grand Prix to new heights and I look forward to working closely with them as they look to further improve the facilities and fan experience over the next 10 years.”

Peter Digby, Chairman of the British Racing Drivers’ Club

“I am delighted we have secured a 10-year extension to host the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. This contractual security will provide a solid base for the further development of the venue as we continue to improve and transform the circuit into a year-round international motorsport and leisure destination.

Digby Continued

“This long-term commitment reflects the importance of the British Grand Prix to Formula 1 and their acknowledgement of our ability to deliver a world-class experience for the British fans who are among the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable in the world,” added Stuart Pringle, Chief Executive Officer, Silverstone.

“The cheers of support for the home teams, and particularly for the British drivers on the grid, makes the Silverstone atmosphere unique and I am looking forward to harnessing this passion for our sport and taking the event to the next level in the coming decade.”

Red Bull Racing has confirmed that there is an investigation underway regarding team principal Cristian Horner and allegations of inappropriate behavior. The investigation is being carried out by an external specialist. Red Bull released the following statement

“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.”

As of now Horner will remain as team principal, and continue as chief executive of Red Bull Racing, while the investigation is carried out. The source of these allegations is not yet known. Horner has denied all allegations.

The 50-year-old has been Red Bull team principal since it entered Formula 1 as a full constructor in 2005. With Red Bull he has won six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ championships.

Kick Sauber F1 Team released their new livery for the 2024 season which sports a fluorescent green with black combo that is sure to catch the eyes of spectators. Formerly known as Alfa Romeo the Sauber team has undergone a complete rebrand with their new title sponsors Stake.

Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi said, “The new car we unveiled today, the C44, is a tribute to the work done by James Key and the technical team, and to every man and woman in Hinwil, who all contributed to the car we see today. Witnessing the launch of a new car is always a special moment, and even more so when it marks the start of a new era, that of Stake F1 Team. We have a fresh new identity and we are excited about everything we have planned, on and off the track: today, though, it is all about the C44 and its potential.

We are confident about this car and our team: we won’t speak about specific targets, because it’s always difficult to put commit to numbers, but our targets are clear – to improve the performance of our car and our package.

By package, I mean every area, from the race team to the operations on track, the pit stops, the strategy: it’s more than just the car performance, and we are committed in all departments to make this step, this is the target. Then, we will see where our position will be as the season progresses: but the key target is to improve this year and to deliver a better job than we did in 2023.

It is the season of speculation regarding driver contracts, team principal shifts and final personnel changes as the teams finalize their preparations for the 2024 F1 season. After multiple rumors had flown around social media regarding Lewis Hamilton and a potential move from Mercedes to Ferrari. The rumors have been confirmed by Ferrari via a statement released on social media.

The move doesn’t come as a major surprise. Hamilton hasn’t been in championship winning form since the controversial finish to the 2021 season that saw Max Verstappen crowned world champion. It will be the end of an era however. Hamilton and Mercedes have a long legacy to be proud of. There is still a chance for Hamilton to achieve his 8th world championship in 2024 with the team. He won 6 world championships with Mercedes AMG F1 team with the first coming in 2014.

Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO

“In terms of a team-driver pairing, our relationship with Lewis has become the most successful the sport has seen, and that’s something we can look back on with pride; Lewis will always be an important part of Mercedes motorsport history. However, we knew our partnership would come to a natural end at some point, and that day has now come. We accept Lewis’s decision to seek a fresh challenge, and our opportunities for the future are exciting to contemplate. But for now, we still have one season to go, and we are focused on going racing to deliver a strong 2024.”

Lewis Hamilton

“I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together. Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge. I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together. I am 100% committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”