F1 2024 -Watchalong thread

[Brazilianadventure]

Happy New Year.

Thought I would start the 2024 thread given there is more political intrigue with the FIA.

2 resignations and one person choosing to not renew their contract. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/67906883

Plus allegedly another ex-Red Bull employee moving to the FIA. https://x.com/silverarrowsnet/status/1744375322131231089?s=46&t=lJm6-66fq4MtGcwwAsK6Kg

😂yes! The cold dead shark eyes! I always think of Pam from Gavin and Stacey running behind him "It's all the drama. I just love it!"

I hope whatever has happened gets a proper investigation. He's been more than happy to drop everyone else in it!

That's genius level journalism right there (and I don't say that often in relation to that publication)

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/feb/05/christian-horner-under-investigation-at-red-bull-formula-one

Dutch news are reporting that Horner showed unwanted behaviour to a female employee. And that it was a while ago. So sounds like it's been leaked from the inside to force action?

Motorsport news (may have the name wrong) is reporting he was advised to resign?

To add: so whilst I love that he was described as Geri's husband (and she is the most famous party, to kost of the UK), this had better not end up being a case of wife somehow being held responsible for the husband's wandering whatever, or she being expected to defend or rehabilitate him.

@TheSpottedZebra that’s interesting. I agree CH is responsible for his behaviour.

@YetMoreNewBeginnings I definitely think there is a power struggle.

I have to say this pre-season is yielding some gems.

There is so much happening before a single car goes out on track that I think we're going to need another thread before too long! I mean we have only had the lacklustre launch of the Haas car so far (no idea what it looks like or how it fares out on track) but with all of the other cars to be launched, we'll have a very busy season in 2024 by the looks of things!

Oh honestly, Haas make me laugh and make me so sad at the same time. Their launch was hysterical. Basically: here is our new livery.

No fanfare. Or a very Haas-level one.

On the other hand McLaren are properly killing their socials. They've got the swagger just now. Can't wait to see AM as well - that brand is to die for at every single touch point.

Not necessarily contradicting the above, but:

"Though Red Bull have not confirmed the nature of the complaint, BBC Sport understands the claims relate to an allegation of inappropriate behaviour of a controlling nature."

If he’s being asked to resign, it can’t be over asking someone to pass the salt at dinner or something equally banal. It has to be significant.

What is interesting the media are saying it’s inappropriate and controlling behaviour. The latter is very concerning.

Apparently, the complainant went direct to the RB parent company rather than RBR due to CH’s seniority.

They are meeting CH on Friday to discuss the allegations.

He strikes me as a very controlling man. I'd not be shocked if he is an abusive partner too tbh, although I have no evidence for this except my spidery senses (which don't often let me down)

I saw in the news today that they think the leak has come from Verstappen, that's a bit awkward.

Ooof, really?!

Sorry, it's Jos who is accused of leaking it. Not Max. I misunderstood.

@IIdentifyAsInnocent I know this is a long time ago but remember CH left his long term partner not long after she gave birth to start his relationship with Geri.

It was a big deal at the time.

Apparently there is no love lost between Jos and Horner (usual F1 gossipy stuff).

I don't know what to think about the Horner thing. As much as I dislike him, I think he needs to have a fair go at proving his innocence if that's the case. The victim in all this needs supported too and I really hope Red Bull is handling this all well and giving good support to those that need it. For all my criticism of Red Bull they do seem decent at supporting their staff.

There is a reason he was called Jos the Boss. He is ruthless and was not happy in Monaco 2022 after Perez “crashed” in qually to keep pole.

I read that it was the 2024 livery was leaked, not CH related.

@Sulusu I am not sure RB are good at supporting their staff - Pierre Gasley, Daniil Kyvat, Carlos Sainz and even Perez may not agree.

I do agree the victim needs support.

Its more the engineering/factory/support staff I meant. I agree they are pretty ruthless with drivers.

I have a family member who does event work with a few of the F1 teams (lucky guy) and he rates Red Bull as good to work with.

@Sulusu I can see the two are different and it’s good to know they treat their staff well.

I know some people who work in F1 and it is an affairs merry go round basically. And you have to be prepared (as a woman) to really go hard and stand toe to toe with men who would otherwise walk all over you, harass you etc.

I just read JV’s wiki page.
He sounds very unpleasant.

I think being treated well as a man working in F1 and being treated well as a woman in F1 are very different things.

I have a friend who works in MotoGP, which is not exactly as sexism free zone itself, who has turned down jobs in F1 because the poor treatment of female staff in some teams is well known.