The focus has shifted from the racetrack to the paddock, where a maelstrom of sex, lies, and intrigue has taken center stage.
The premier class is currently grappling with allegations against Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, F1-Insider.com has learned that the lawyer representing the Thai majority shareholders of Red Bull Racing and Horner has officially terminated the employment of the individual who initiated the alleged sexual assault case.
The employee in question is now planning to challenge the termination in an English labor court and is expected to receive support from the Austrian faction led by Mark Mateschitz, heir to Didi Mateschitz, and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.
Table of Contents
Verstappen Clan and Thai Owners Meeting
On Monday, Chalerm Yoovidhya, the head of the Thai owner family, met with the Verstappen clan in Dubai.
Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull superstar Max, celebrated his 53rd birthday in the company of his son and Helmut Marko.
Following the meeting, F1 insider information suggests that the situation has escalated, with Max Verstappen threatening to go public if Horner continues to receive support.
Thai Owners’ prefer Newey and Horner, wants a lineup of Piastri and Albon for 2025
The Thai owners, who continue to back Horner despite the allegations, appear prepared to let their superstar go.
They believe that design genius Adrian Newey is more crucial to their success than the Dutch talent, and they are confident they can retain him.
Their plan, should Verstappen leave, is to have Newey build winning cars for Oscar Piastri and Alexander Albon, despite both drivers being under contract with McLaren and Williams respectively until 2025.
A Move to Mercedes for Verstappen?
The situation at Red Bull has deteriorated to such an extent that even a move from Max Verstappen to Mercedes this year seems plausible.
A former team boss has suggested that Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff might be attempting to secure Verstappen’s services for Lewis Hamilton’s car, given the seven-time world champion’s impending move to Ferrari in 2025.
Ralf Schumacher’s Perspective
Ex-Formula 1 driver and current Sky expert Ralf Schumacher shares a similar view, stating that the relationship between the Verstappens and Horner is beyond repair.
He believes that anything is possible, including Verstappen leaving Red Bull before the end of the season. Schumacher has personal experience with such scenarios, as his brother Michael moved from Jordan to Benetton mid-season in 1991.
Sources:
- F1-Insider.com
- Sky Sports
- BusinessF1 Magazine
