News of the allegations emerged in early February when an investigation, carried out by a barrister, was underway. It overshadowed pre-season testing where Horner — who had already been interviewed — remained in his role at the head of the team.
The fallout continued in the run-up to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with Horner meeting Verstappen’s manager, following meetings with both FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali over the Bahrain GP weekend to discuss the matter.
Other team managers have also called for more information, given the efforts being made by F1 and teams to make the paddock less hostile to female staff. “As a sport, we can’t afford to leave things vague and opaque on critical topics like this,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. “It’s going to catch us out.”
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said that the matter should be investigated by the FIA. “The sanctioning body has a responsibility and authority to our sport and fans,” he said. “They need to make sure that things have been fully transparent with them, that they come to the same conclusion that has been given by Red Bull and they they agree with the outcome. Until then, there will continue to be speculation because there are a lot of unanswered questions about the whole process.”
Horner, who has led the team from its inception in 2005, since when it has won six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles, put on a display of solidarity in Bahrain, marching through the paddock with his wife, Geri Halliwell, but the tension was far from behind the scenes, as a video of emerged of him apparently arguing with Jos Verstappen.
At the next race weekend in Saudi Arabia, more controversy ensured when it emerged that Helmut Marko may be under investigation in relation to the leaked WhatsApp messages.
He then appeared to confirm this in an interview. “I’ll put it this way, it’s difficult to judge, or let’s put it this way, ultimately, I’ll decide for myself what I do,” he said. “The theoretical possibility [of being suspended] always exists.”
Tensions heightened when Max Verstappen was questioned on the Marko situation. “If such an important pillar falls away, that’s not good for my situation as well,” said the Dutchman.