F1 News: Red Bull Managing Director Makes Way To Saudi Arabia After Christian Horner Scrutiny
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull GmbH managing director, will be present in Saudi Arabia for the Grand Prix this weekend as internal tensions mount within Red Bull Racing. This development follows growing concerns over Christian Horner's role as the team's principal.
Key Takeaways:
- Internal strife at Red Bull Racing prompts a significant visit by Oliver Mintzlaff to Saudi Arabia, amid debates over Christian Horner's leadership.
- Christian Horner faces scrutiny over allegations of misconduct, despite being cleared by legal examination.
- Support from the team's major Thai shareholder reportedly contrasts with Red Bull GmbH's perspective, casting uncertainty on Horner's future within the team.
Red Bull Content Pool
The atmosphere within Red Bull Racing is charged with anticipation as Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull GmbH's CEO for Corporate Projects and New Investments, makes a visit to Saudi Arabia, according to Bild. This move is seen as a direct response to the unrest brewing within the team, particularly concerning the leadership of Christian Horner, the team's principal. Despite Horner's pivotal role in the team's success, his leadership style has come under fire following allegations of misconduct, although these were dismissed by an independent investigation.
The controversy surrounding Horner stems from both allegations of misconduct and internal disputes that have reportedly been simmering for some time. Despite being exonerated by an independent legal inquiry, Horner's position remains precarious, particularly with the backdrop of Red Bull GmbH's apparent desire for a change at the top. This is juxtaposed against the support Horner is receiving from the majority Thai shareholder, who holds a 51 percent stake in the team, in contrast to Red Bull GmbH's 49 percent share.