Horner faced the media: Transcript of entire press conference

20:15, 07 Mar 2024
30 Comments

Christian Horner has been under the spotlight in Formula 1 during the last few weeks. The Red Bull Racing boss was accused of inappropriate behaviour and cleared following an investigation. It seemed all over, but a proverbial bomb exploded when alleged WhatsApp conversations were sent to key members in the F1 paddock and the media. There is no proof these conversations are genuine. The rumours have continued to rumble, and ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix weekend, Horner was scheduled to participate in the press conference. Here is the full transcript, word for word.

Christian, you'll obviously be aware of Jos’ comments on race day in Bahrain, describing the tensions in the team. It's on the brink of exploding if you remain in charge. Where's the end game here? He inferenced that it's either you have to go or he'll pull Max out of the team.
Horner: "Look, I'm obviously aware of the comments that were made. There was a discussion subsequent to the race, and I think everybody's focus is very much on the future. The team's focus is very much on defending both of these world titles that we've fought so hard to achieve. Max has three successive world titles to build on that. the 55 victories that he's achieved, the 114 victories that as a team we've achieved and now sit tied with Williams on the amount of Grand Prix victories. So our focus is very much on the future. And as I say, discussions took place following the race in Bahrain and we're all looking forward."

Could you talk a bit more about those discussions? Like, do you feel the air has been cleared between the two sides in this?
"No, I think, you know, I'm not going to air all the discussions, you know, the private between the parties, but you know, discussions have been inevitably had and the team is focused on the challenges that are ahead of us and the team is very focused on the season ahead and whilst we've had a very dominant race in Bahrain, we don't expect that to be the case in future races. So we're acutely aware of our competitors and you don't achieve the kind of results that we've had by not being a united team to win the race by the margin that we did to achieve a one-two finish, the fastest lap, the pole position. You know, you need to be working in total harmony to achieve those kind of races."

You've confirmed that you would absolutely be here as team principal in Bahrain, but can you confirm the same about Max, that he will see out his Red Bull contract?
"I'm certain that he will. I mean, he's got a great team around him. He's got great faith in that team. And, you know, we've achieved an awful lot together. So, you know, he's committed to an agreement until 2028. And, yeah, you know, from a team side, from Max's side, we're determined to build on the success that we've achieved already and those 55 victories have all come in Red Bull cars. All of the podiums have come in Red Bull Racing cars and we're determined to build on that and add hopefully many more in the future."

About Max's father, Lewis made some comments yesterday about it as well. Do you think [Jos Verrstappen] is too involved in all this and it's maybe a distraction for everyone?
"Obviously, Max's father has played a key role in his career and getting him to Formula 1. But obviously, Jos is his own man. Max is his own man as well. And we've seen him go from being a teenager when he joined us to now, very much a young man. that's achieved what he has. So it's not for me to comment on relationships between fathers and drivers. They're all unique between the different individuals."

Do you have any regrets about the potential reputational damage that has emerged from this episode for the team, for yourself and sponsors?
"Well, obviously, there's been an awful lot of coverage surrounding this, but one has to go back to the basis of this. A grievance was raised, it was fully investigated, and it was dismissed. And from there, we move onwards. And I think an awful lot has been made out of this. Obviously, it has been obviously of great interest in different elements of the media for different reasons. And I think the time now is to look forward and to draw a line under it. We're here to go racing. We're here as a Formula 1 team. And the time now is to focus on what is going on on track and the performance of the cars and the drivers and where the spotlight should be during the course of a Grand Prix weekend."

The reports today that the complainant has been suspended by Red Bull Racing. Are you able to explain the decision or comment any further on that matter?
"Look, I'm afraid that I can't comment on anything that's confidential between an employee in the company, so I can't offer you anything on that, I'm afraid."

Obviously, you can't comment on the situation about the employee suspension. Is there a plan to bring some transparency to this in the future? And do you kind of recognize why it's necessary to do something? Because obviously, to the watching world, particularly the female population watching, it doesn't really fit in with the attempts that F1 and Red Bull have made to show that it's a positive place for women to be. You can understand why it hits a nerve there. So is there anything that you can commit to down the line that will actually make what's happened clearer and regain that confidence?
"I think it's a complicated issue because each company – and these companies will be exactly the same as with any other major company. There is a grievance process that takes place in any company and that process is confidential between the individuals and the company itself. I'm not at liberty, unfortunately, due to those confidentiality [concerns] and out of respect to the company and, of course, the other party, that we're all bound by the same restrictions. And so even if I would like to talk about it, I can't because of those confidentiality restrictions."

"There's a reason for that. Now, the only reason that this has gained so much attention, obviously, is because of the leakage and the tension that there's been drawn in the media, which has been very trying in many respects, and particularly for my family, because it's all been focused very much in one direction. And of course, what has happened then after that, others have looked to take advantage of it. And whether that be for… Unfortunately, Formula 1 is a competitive business, and there's been, obviously, elements have looked to benefit from it, and that's perhaps the not-so-pretty side of our industry. So, of course, there are always lessons, but there's a process that is governed within the company that it's not an FIA issue, it's not a Formula 1 issue, it's a company employee issue, and that would be the same in any major organisation."

You touched on this a bit earlier. Do you think there is a campaign against you? And if so, who do you think is behind?
"Look, we've been tremendously successful. We've done a lot of winning and we're very united as a team and that's what we're focused on for the future. There's been obviously an awful lot of coverage around this situation, but I think the time really is now to move on, to focus on what's going on on the track. And, you know, we've got a busy and competitive season ahead of us. And that's what we're certainly focused on."

Christian, just going back to Jos, have you spoken directly to him since he made those comments? And do you think that that relationship between the two of you can be can be repaired?
"I spoke to Jos following the Grand Prix and obviously congratulated him on his son's performance. And I think it's in everybody's interests collectively that we've agreed to move on, to focus on the future. And we both have a vested interest in his son to get the best and to provide the best cars for him and to get the best out of him. And he's started the season in the best possible way. He's an outstanding talent and hopefully we can continue to provide him a very competitive car."

Christian, you were asked earlier about the reputational damage to Red Bull. On a personal level, are you concerned about the damage that might have been done to your reputation over these past three weeks, regardless of the independent investigator's adjudication? And conversely, do you have any sympathy for the woman involved and what this whole saga might have done to her reputation as well?
"Well, look, it's obviously been a very trying period. I'm married and have three children. And when that intrusion includes your children and the scrutiny is placed on my marriage… I'm very fortunate that I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife. And, you know, I'm the only one that has been named in this. So, of course, it's very trying. It's very challenging, because when there's children involved, when there's families, parents, etcetera, involved, it's not pretty. And the reality is that there was a grievance that was raised."

"It was dealt with in the most professional manner by the group, not by Red Bull Racing, but by the owners of Red Bull Racing, Red Bull GmbH, that appointed an independent KC that is one of the most reputable KCs in the land. He took time to investigate fully, all of the facts. He interviewed all of the people involved, together with others of interest. He looked at everything. He had all of the facts. And he came to a conclusion where he dismissed the grievance. As far as I'm concerned, as far as Red Bull is concerned, we move on and we look to the future. And you know, my wife has been phenomenally supportive throughout this, as have my family. But the intrusion on my family is now enough and we need to move forward and to focus on what we're here for. And I'm sorry for these three gentlemen that they're not here talking about their cars and drivers today. But it is time now to focus on why we're here which is to go Formula 1 racing."

Christian, you said it's time to move on, but why do you think it has taken people so long to move on from this, including the media, including the public?
"There's been a constant source of… You know, there's been one thing after another. And I think that, you know, as I say, there's been an awful lot of leakage around this, what is a private and confidential matter between the employees and the company. It’s unfortunately through that, through that leakage it has garnered an awful lot of coverage. And as I say, it's now time to focus on the track and what we're here to do which is to go racing. And you know we're a race team. We've got some phenomenal partners that have been hugely supportive through this."

"The team, the company, the 1,600 people that work within the group, I have to thank them as well for their support. And, yeah, you know, it's time to move on. We see today Formula 1 Academy coming alive with the support of the teams. We have three drivers, three cars across the Red Bull Group in that. We've announced new partners that we welcome to the sport. And I think that now is the point of focus that we're here for a Grand Prix and we should be talking about the cars and the drivers."

30 Comments
Ozzie72 07 March 2024 at 23:32+ 1216

I just don’t understand why Horner does not simply state upfront that he will not comment on any other topics but F1. Period. Not an F1 question? Next!!!

Garns 08 March 2024 at 05:25+ 180

I agree Ozzie, give a 'This is the last question I will answer on the subject, ......" then give the standard answer drivers love to give when a fellow driver has answered a question adequately, with "nothing further to add"

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Vegan Warrior 07 March 2024 at 20:39+ 4951

Intresting , Horner knows who the third party lawyer is, like I said his lawyers arranged for the lawyers. I enjoyed the the Telemundo episode "I am the victim here" staring Christian Horner. If any one believes this guy, well thats your prerogative.

El Super Guapo 07 March 2024 at 20:47+ 3018

Vegan, my cheeky friend, why did I know that you’re going to throw as much fuel to the fore as you can? ?

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Vegan Warrior 07 March 2024 at 21:12+ 4951

I hope you weren't fooled by that performance. To think the suspension of the women coincides with international womens day tomorrow. You just can't make this stuff up.

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ManualShift 08 March 2024 at 02:46+ 5806

Oh it's international women day tomorrow. That's too bad (that we need a day to celebrate women), but a simple coincidence. I honestly think that the foolish performance is the one of the journalists who keep asking questions they know darn well Horner can't answer. Horner just answered what he was supposed to answer. Time to move on. I know people are not ready to let it go, but it's time. I think this week RebBull will wrap its s**t up and turn page.

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Vegan Warrior 08 March 2024 at 08:20+ 4951

"innocent until proven otherwise " Yip exactly. Enjoy the day,be kind

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J41L 08 March 2024 at 08:14+ 23147

"I am the victim narrative" Said by the one with the "Horner is guilty no matter what narrative". Seriously VW, what happened to your statements "innocent until proven otherwise"? Just in case I missed something, when/where did Horner say he was a victim?

Ferrarifanatic 08 March 2024 at 15:51+ 14286

There's not really anything we disagree on. I agree everyone has the right to privacy and you agreed with me that the media doesn't really care about people's privacy!

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J41L 08 March 2024 at 15:19+ 23147

The media don't let go because the media, or at least some of them, never gets punishment for the stxpid things they do. The Susie/Toto case is a great example of this. Famous people/companies also have the right to privacy, see the Schumacher case. But as I said, at least we agree to disagree. And that's perfectly fine.

Ferrarifanatic 08 March 2024 at 15:15+ 14286

It should not be media business, but RB is a very famous racing team, and the media will never let it go until they get to the truth. That brings me back to my original point. Had RB been transparent from the beginning, the media would have been over this already. But in trying to keep it secret, has just made the media wolves more hungry! Whether you or I agree with this or not, or think its right or wrong,iis immaterial, the media won't just let this go.

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J41L 08 March 2024 at 14:31+ 23147

What's going on at RB INTERNALLY isn't media business either. Nor is it for the FIA and F1. It has been clear from the beginning that they keep the matter INTERNALLY.

Ferrarifanatic 08 March 2024 at 14:26+ 14286

My family is not important to the world media! RB is!

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J41L 08 March 2024 at 13:24+ 23147

So if there's trouble in your family the entire neighborhood has to know. If something needs to be private, it is not the media to decide. They have zero decision power in such cases. But I feel we will not agree, then let us at least agree to disagree ?

Ferrarifanatic 08 March 2024 at 10:09+ 14286

That is true, but let's split hairs! The only reason the media is so obsessed by this story is due to the way RB have shrouded the issue in secrecy!

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J41L 08 March 2024 at 08:09+ 23147

"The problem in trying to be secretive, is they have created a monster" Not RB created this monster. The media did.

Ferrarifanatic 08 March 2024 at 05:15+ 14286

The problem in trying to be secretive, is they have created a monster. The media are having a field day and some have already exposed the lady. Believe me, the media will not let it go until all is out in the open. In the meantime they will publish a lot of fake news, which makes it a lot worse. This monstrosity could all have been avoided with transparency from day 1!

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ManualShift 08 March 2024 at 05:05+ 5806

I don't think they can be transparent. The complainant needs protection and Horner has a right to keep privacy as well. I don't think we have the right to call for transparency here. But I agree about RebBull failure to handle it properly.

Ferrarifanatic 08 March 2024 at 04:53+ 14286

RB, in keeping this secret, has made the issue a lot worse! Had the true story being told from day one, the media would be over it, the public would be over it and we would have moved on! Now this is a huge debacle and the media want to know what really happened. The media are making stuff up and publishing wild allegations that people like Vegan actually believe, and RB have tuned a mole hill into a mountain by not being transparent!

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Vegan Warrior 08 March 2024 at 05:57+ 4951

Why move on, because off the press conference that. Sorry thags not happening, untill there's some transparency as to the allegations and the investigation. Unfortunately no one bought the "I am the victim narrative"

bringBackTheV12 07 March 2024 at 20:55+ 2912

"Intresting , Horner knows who the third party lawyer is, like I said his lawyers arranged for the lawyers." Why is this "interesting"? He was personally interviewed by this person so unless the interviews were done in some type of anonymized manner (visions of CH in a dark room with bright lights shining in his face and just a shadowy figure looming above him with the shadowy figures ominous voice vocoded). Not to mention the original statements claiming that it was RB the parent company, NOT RBR that hired the barrister. But let's not let little things like that shape our opinions (◔_◔).

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J41L 07 March 2024 at 22:07+ 23147

But a lawyer can't arrange with a judge. And only the later has power of decision from a legal standpoint. If it was that bad, they would have gone directly to court. By "they", I mean everyone who orchestrated this including the lady, if there's really one.

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Vegan Warrior 07 March 2024 at 22:19+ 4951

By "they", I mean everyone who orchestrated this including the lady, if there's really one What evidence do you have that this was orchestrated and that the lady doesn't exist?

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J41L 08 March 2024 at 08:00+ 23147

The old VW is officially back, twisting words again.. I didn't say the lady doesn't exist! At this point there's no mention of a lady in any of the official statements. There might be one, or there might be none. About the orchestration. #1 RB's official 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." Would not someone/several have done/said, hence orchestrated something, there would not have been an investigation. Notice, no mention of a lady btw! #2 Hundreds of rumours-articles are also evidence of orchestration donne by the media themselves. #3 You yourself are part of the orchestration by publishing links to telenovela articles on this same blog. Strangely you didn't care about evidence when you posted those, just like you didn't care when you comment things like: "like I said his lawyers arranged for the lawyers." Considering this point, it's kinda pathetic you ask for "evidence" whilst you are the one posting rumours here all day long since weeks. Another interesting point. During the investigation you kept telling things similar to: "innocent until proven otherwise". Or "let's wait for the end of the investigation before making any conclusions". Tens of comments of yours in this blog is "evidence" of this. Now that the investigation has concluded that Horner isn't guilty of what he has been accused of, you are not happy by making statements like: "If any one believes this guy, well thats your prerogative". You tryed to fool people with your new VW behavior. But once the investigation cleared Horner, the old VW emerged again by trying to make Horner and RB guilty no matter what. It was simply to nice to be real. Nice try but it didn't work out for you. Your evident dislike for everything related to RB got rid of the imaginary new VW. Have a nice day btw.

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ManualShift 08 March 2024 at 13:47+ 5806

We need J41L and Adrie-63 here not so much to educate but to stop the misinformation that certain posters such as Vegan are pushing for. She keeps making statements to events that are only rumored and we have no clue if they are true or totally fabricated and she passes them as facts .

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J41L 08 March 2024 at 13:55+ 23147

VW and I are old "friends". I had a 3 hours train trip this morning. Taking 15 minutes to comment made my trip look like it is shorter ?

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Vegan Warrior 08 March 2024 at 08:19+ 4951

If you say so J41L.

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J41L 08 March 2024 at 08:16+ 23147

Just read the comment above yours ☝️ Everything is explained in there.

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Vegan Warrior 08 March 2024 at 08:11+ 4951

J41L, you posted this : By "they", I mean everyone who orchestrated this including the lady, if there's really one Whats your evidence that this lady does not exist ?

Nitrorex 08 March 2024 at 08:19+ 111

Excellent point J41L but by now you probably know that you are wasting your time with your attempt to educate certain (and soooooo tiering in their biased tirades) individuals.