Netflix has thrown under-fire F1 boss Christian Horner under the bus, as the probe into allegations of controlling behaviour continues.
Horner has been the story of the sport’s off-season after reports of “serious allegations” of “inappropriate behaviour” rocked the Red Bull chief.
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While it started as allegations of controlling behaviour towards a female worker, there have since been claims of “sexually suggestive texts”.
The current constructor’s champion, and home of driver’s champion Max Verstappen, has been thrown into turmoil, with Horner’s future in F1 up the air, though the 50-year-old has denied the allegations.
However the second episode of the recently released sixth season Netflix’s Drive to Survive hangs the Red Bull team boss out to dry.
The episode starts with a scene of Horner, his ex-Spice Girl wife Geri and their children Bluebell, Olivia and Monty getting a visit from Santa at their luxury estate on Christmas.
After meeting the family, Santa asks: “Has Dad been good this year?”
Olivia replies: “Let me think about that.”
Geri chimes in saying: “He won a championship, I think he’s been amazing.”
Santa then says: “He’s super fast. You know, apart from me, this man’s the fastest person in the universe.”
Horner replies: “I think Max Verstappen might be a bit quicker than you Father Christmas.”
Santa says: “I travel three time the speed of light. How fast does he go?”
“Probably four,” Horner quips.
But it was the first question that had fans tripping over themselves to roast Horner online.
One fan wrote: “Netflix stitching up Horner on the new F1 Drive to Survive series.”
Another said: “Netflix is trolling Christian Horner, aren’t they?”
Another said it was “so cringe to watch”.
A fourth said: “This aged like milk …”
Horner has called for a swift conclusion to the probe into claims he sent sexual messages to a colleague.
Speaking in Bahrain on the second day of testing last week, Horner was twice asked about the accusations.
“There is a process going on which I am part of that process and I am afraid I cannot comment on it,” he said.
“Look, I am really sorry but I cannot comment on the process or the timescale.
“I think everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible but I am really not at liberty to talk about the process.”
Horner also spoke about the allegations at the RB20 launch.
“Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together,” Horner said.
“Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as normal and the support has been fantastic.
“In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
“There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background while preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
Horner has overseen seven drivers world championships and six constructors titles since joining the team in 2005.
Red Bull were dominant on the track in 2023, winning 21 of 22 Grands Prix as Max Verstappen romped to a third consecutive drivers’ championship.
With AFP
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