CHRISTIAN Horner has agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ within his troubled Red Bull Racing team after emergency crunch talks, reports suggest.
Horner, 50, has faced constant grillings over the sexting scandal with even senior members of the Red Bull team reportedly calling for him to leave his role in wake of the bombshell leaks.
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Red Bull chief Christian Horner has agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ with himself, Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen, say reportsCredit: Getty
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Marko has reportedly distanced himself from Horner since the allegations came to lightCredit: Getty
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Horner and Jos Verstappen have been in a very public spat in recent weeks with Jos calling for him to be axed from his jobCredit: Getty
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The trio have reportedly agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ for the sake of the Red Bull teamCredit: Getty
But it is now believed that the internal battles at the sports top constructor is set to end after Horner, Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko seemingly agreed to stop their disputes, The Mirror reports.
Jos, the father of three time world champion Max Verstappen, has spoken publicly about his concerns over the shock claims.
The 52-year-old has backed Horner’s accuser in front of the media and called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing the boss of ripping the team apart.
When asked if it was time to “draw a line” under the situation, as Horner insisted people do, Jos said: “I think it’s a bit too late for that now.
“If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”
As Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s iconic senior advisor, has also reportedly distanced himself from Horner since the allegations came to light.
The 80-year-old was even placed under investigation by Red Bull for issues related to the leaking of WhatsApp messages from an anonymous email relating to the Horner investigation.
But now the trio have agreed to a “public ceasefire” say reports.
The ceasefire is being done for the benefit as the team as many feel the pre-season distractions could soon take their toll.
Despite the issues, Red Bull have taken two race wins and two second place finishes in the first pair of races this year – once again dominating F1.
F1’s Christian Horner says ‘time to draw a line’ on claims of inappropriate behaviour
Crunch talks took place within Red Bull, say sources, as they looked to reach a happy place within the team – void of public spats.
Max Verstappen has been open of his admiration for Marko and is thought to be loyal to the advisor and his dad no matter what.
Meaning if Red Bull punish or abandon either man it could lead to Verstappen’s exit – causing major issues at Red Bull.
Horner was cleared of misconduct towards a female colleague – allegations he had always denied – by an internal probe on February 28.
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It comes as the woman who accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour has now lodged a complaint against him with the sport’s ruling body the FIA.
The unnamed woman, who has been suspended from her job at the team’s base in Milton Keynes, has now made three complaints over Horner’s conduct since the start of February, it is claimed.
On March 7, the woman was suspended on full pay from Red Bull HQ amid claims her “honesty was called into question.”
The reasons allegedly given to her were that she appeared dishonest owing to inconsistencies in the evidence she had provided.
Ex-driver Horner has said he wants to move on from the scandal, with ex-Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell. 51, standing by him.
The F1 chief and Geri have always put on a united – if awkward – front at the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in recent weeks.
Speaking at the press conference, Horner said he was keen to “draw a line” under the scandal and that it was time to “focus on what is going on on track.”
Despite Geri’s very visual display of standing by her man, sources claim that the singer is “in turmoil”.
The F1 season returns next week in Melbourne for the Australian GP and the off-track drama has done little to slow down the dominating Verstappen, who has won both races with ease.
