Launch of its 2024 contender set to be overshadowed as Pink Bull continues its investigation into the conduct of its group principal, Christian Horner.
The Briton spent most of Friday being questioned by the unbiased investigator dealing with the probe which was instigated not by the Pink Bull F1 group itself however by its mother or father firm Pink Bull GmbH.
Nearly per week after the investigation was introduced, there isn’t a clear indication of what exactly Horner is being accused of, which solely serves to fire up hypothesis.
What is understood is that the allegation comes from a feminine member of the group employees, and whereas social media and the tabloid press instantly jumped to at least one conclusion, it has since been revealed to be about Horner’s “controlling and coercive” behaviour.
Whereas information of the investigation has shocked the game – and positively knocked Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari off the again pages – the actual fact is that there was speak of unrest inside the group ever since its proprietor Dietrich Mateschitz handed away in 2022.
Final yr Helmut Marko’s place inside the group was mentioned to be beneath risk, and paddock hypothesis means that the Austrian, with assist from Jos Verstappen – father of three-time world champion Max – and Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Company Tasks and Investments at Pink Bull, is concerned within the ongoing drama.
Following Friday’s questioning by the exterior specialist barrister, Pink Bull would solely say that “it might not be applicable to remark earlier than the investigation is accomplished”, whereas Horner continued to disclaim the allegations to the Dutch newspaper that exposed the investigation within the first place, De Telegraaf.
Horner has been with the group for the reason that outset, and whereas there may be some dispute as to how a lot his ‘removing’ would possibly affect the group, claims that such a transfer may see Adrian Newey depart together with different key personnel, particularly at a time there may be speak of an exodus of prime degree employees from Mercedes, would little doubt rock the group and certainly the game.
This Friday sees the launch of the group’s 2024 contender and whereas the media goes to be eager to know the small print of the allegations the topic is more likely to be formally off the desk.
Nevertheless, with speak that the investigation may final a number of extra weeks it’s doable that pre-season testing and even the opening race of the season, may happen with the axe hanging over Horner and a darkish cloud over all the group.
At a time many have been fearing Max Verstappen and his group strolling to a fourth successive title, this newest drama, coupled with the Hamilton transfer, has greater than a touch of Turk Thrust about it and will definitely pique the curiosity of the group behind Drive to Survive because it seems forward to Season 7, whereas Horner’s marriage to a former Spice Woman has already assured the complete consideration of the tabloids.
