Mirror readers divided over Christian Horner's future as Red Bull team boss

08 March 2024 , 13:15

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We asked Mirror readers if they think Christian Horner should step down (Image: Getty Images)

Mirror readers have been left divided over Christian Horner's future as Red Bull team principal, after allegations emerged of inappropriate behaviour with a female member of staff.

The Formula One champions cleared Horner following a three-week internal probe into the controversy, but alleged messages between the team boss and staff member have since been leaked to the press. According to reports, Horner’s accuser is now said to have been suspended on full pay by Red Bull following the investigation.

The news has placed a huge focus on Horner and his marriage to former Spice Girl Geri. The pair were photographed at last weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix with the couple putting on a united front.

Speaking at Thursday's press conference, the Formula One team boss clearly wants a line to be drawn under the scandal. He said: "Obviously there has been a lot of coverage surrounding this, but one has to go back to the basis of a grievance was raised, it was fully investigated, and it was dismissed.

"From there we move onwards. I think an awful lot has been made out of this. Obviously it has been of great interest in different elements of the media for different reasons. I think the time now is to look forward and draw a line under it."

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He added: "We are here to go racing, we are here as a Formula One team, and the time now is to focus on what is going on on track and the performance of the cars and the drivers, where the spotlight should be during the course of a Grand Prix weekend."

Jos Verstappen, the father of triple world champion Max, has called for the 50-year-old to step down, claiming that Red Bull would "explode" if he remains as team principal. Speaking to Mail Sport, he said: "There is tension here while he remains in position.

"The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can't go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems." Horner, who has been Red Bull team principal since 2005, has strongly denied the accusations and has remained in his role during the investigation.

We asked Mirror readers if they think the team boss should step down from his position - and the responses were split almost equally. A staggering 4,544 people took part in our poll, and a hefty 2,221 said that Horner should remain in his role.

Taking to the comments to voice their thoughts, one user penned: "Jos is a father and has no role, or say, in the day to day workings of Red Bull. Let alone call for Horner to be sacked. The investigation was conducted by an external independent KC, who was no doubt a specialist in such workplace activities and investigations. They obviously made recommendations in their report to Red Bull HQ, which is why Horner is still in his position."

Another user shared: "Ban the dad from the grid - he is just a hanger on. Any complaints from the son and terminate him and get another driver. Only ONE Boss."

Meanwhile, 2,210 said Horner should step down from his position. Writing in the comments, one user posted: "Looks like it's going to be Horner against the Verstappens. As Max brings so much more to the team than Horner, there will only be one winner here."

Only 113 readers selected the option 'Other' in our poll.

Please note that the poll is still live, so these results may change after the article has been published.

You can still vote in the poll HERE to have your say on the topic. Do you think Christian Horner should step down? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.