Pictured Left to Right: Charles Lecred, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz. Photo by AutoSport.
Formula 1 (F1) racing has been around for decades and always had drama, but it’s safe to say the beginning of this year’s season has been one of the messiest. The first bit of drama is a very sensitive topic, including sexual misconduct in the workplace.
In Feb. 2024, Christian Horner, Team Principal, CEO, and former racing driver who has led the Red Bull F1 team since 2005, was accused of “inappropriate, controlling behavior.” Red Bull conducted their own investigation and cleared Horner of any misconduct, only for a day later, messages of sexually suggestive texts and photos were sent between Horner and his accusers. The messages were leaked to prominent F1 officials.
Many fans on the internet were upset that Horner was allowed to continue working, and Jos Verstappen, a former racer and father of world champion Max Verstappen, even commented his disapproval. He said, “He (Horner) is playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems.”
On March 7, there was an uproar among fans and those associated with F1. Reports came out that Horner’s accuser had been suspended with full pay. A spokesperson for Red Bull downplaying the severity of the situation called it an “internal matter” and declined any further comments. Since then, there have not been any updates, and Horner continues to keep his job, as Team Principal and CEO.
A less severe drama also occurred pre-season as Lewis Hamilton signed to drive for Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. Charles Leclerc had extended his contract with Ferrari, leaving Carlos Sainz Jr. without a seat for the 2025 season. Fans were upset as Sainz Jr. was the only non-Red Bull Grand Prix winner in the 2023 season and is a fan favorite. This season, Sainz Jr. has already proven himself to be worthy of a seat with a 3rd place finish and, most recently, 1st place after being out of a race after having an emergency appendix removal.
This will be the longest season in the history of F1 racing and is already looking to be an exciting one.
