Formula One's Red Bull Racing has been the dominant team in the sport for the last several years with driver Max Verstappen winning each of the last three World Championships.
However, heading into 2024, the team faces some real problems at the top.
Red Bull Racing has initiated an independent inquiry into allegations against the team's leader, Christian Horner, according to multiple media outlets, for allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior with an unidentified member of Red Bull Racing.
Phil Duncan, an F1 correspondent with Press Association and contributor for CNN, obtained an official statement from Red Bull Racing concerning the investigation.
"After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation (into Christian Horner)," Red Bull Racing said in the statement. "This process, which is already underway, 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."
The news of Red Bull Racing's investigation first broke in the Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, as it reported that Horner had been accused of inappropriate behavior by an unknown member of the team.
Nothing is clear at this point, but Horner spoke with De Telegraaf, ultimately denying all allegations.
"I completely deny these allegations," Horner said.
Horner has been a key cog with Red Bull since 2005 when he was named team principal, and he has overseen plenty of success, including seven driver championships between Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, along with six constructor championships.
If the allegations against Horner prove true, it's not out of the question that the team may have to change leadership. In the wake of Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari and the subsequent shockwaves being felt at Mercedes, coupled with a potential Horner exit, the two most dominant teams in the last decade could be ready for a fall from the top and see the sport primed for a changing of the guard.
