Christian Horner is reportedly eyeing the position of CEO within the energy drink giant, amidst the ongoing scandal and power dynamics at Red Bull Racing, hinting at ambitions that extend beyond the realm of Formula 1.
Bild, Germany's largest newspaper, has noted Horner's growing closeness with Red Bull's 51 percent shareholder, Chalerm Yoovidhya, especially following the shift in company power dynamics after Dietrich Mateschitz's passing in late 2022.
"Horner initially wanted shares in Red Bull Racing," state correspondents Helmut Uhl and Michel Milewski. "He failed, but he did secure the marketing rights of the sister team Alpha Tauri."
According to Bild, Horner then aimed for the CEO role of the parent company GmbH, currently shared by three members of the Austrian faction post-Mateschitz.
The unfolding scandal early in 2024 has cast a shadow over Horner's aspirations and stirred speculations about its potential impact on Red Bull's retention of Max Verstappen.
"I'm not really concerned about it," the triple world champion mentioned to The Project program in Australia when questioned about the situation. "I have a contract in 2028, which I think says enough."
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Adrian Newey, Red Bull's top designer, is in "well advanced" discussions with Ferrari about a stunning move to the Italian team.
Horner reportedly believes Alex Albon could step into Verstappen's shoes at Red Bull, with the added advantage of Albon's Thai heritage aligning with Yoovidhya's.
In response to inquiries about Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes, Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull's senior consultant, maintained a tight lip: "That's internal information. You can't seriously expect an answer from me," he told the Osterreich newspaper.
It has been revealed that Horner was unaware of a 'Marko clause' retroactively added to Verstappen's new contract in 2022, which would allow Verstappen an exit if Marko is removed or departs.
When questioned whether he'll attend all 24 Grand Prix in a Red Bull uniform this season, the 80-year-old Marko commented, "I'm booked, but that doesn't mean much yet."
