F1 News
Horner "disappointed" that he 'became a target' after allegations
- Ludo van Denderen
2024 has been a year full of ups and downs for Christian Horner. He saw Red Bull Racing win a fourth consecutive drivers' title through Max Verstappen, but to start the year, he was hampered by allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Throughout the middle of the season, there were plenty of struggles for the Austrian team as the RB20 struggled with consistency and pace, and they saw key figures depart from the top team.
After two internal investigations, Horner was cleared of those allegations, but the case has left deep marks on the Briton. "In life, it is a great lesson that the more success you have, the more of a target you become. Anything that can be used to unsettle and destabilise you and the team and the business. What disappointed me more than anything was the steps that people went to in order to try and achieve that," he said in conversation with The Daily Mail.
Horner happy with support from wife Geri
Although there is still a chance that the employee who accused Horner will go to civil court and the case will continue, the team boss has given it all closure. "You just stay true to yourself," is Horner's advice for others in a similar situation. "I am very fortunate that I have got a tremendous family. My wife has been unbelievable, fantastic. Your partner is always the one you share your difficulties with. She has been absolutely outstanding and hugely supportive."
According to Horner, his wife Geri Halliwell has also had a tough time. For instance, he reveals to the newspaper that she would sometimes leave the house under a blanket to escape the waiting photographers at the door. "She saw through a lot of things from having an outside perspective and it is good to have that weight and measure. It is hugely important. You learn about yourselves in times of difficulty and I was absolutely determined that we would navigate through the difficult waters."
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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