Austria affected

“Family lawyer”: Horner investigation in focus

Chalerm Yoovidhia (center) probably supports Christian Horner (right) massively.(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

The supposedly independent lawyer who conducted the internal investigation into the Horner case at Red Bull is said to have close ties to majority owner Chalerm Yoovidhia, according to the industry magazine "BusinessF1". In the meantime, Horner has expanded his power and rumors are circulating that his internal opponents are withdrawing. This could also have an impact on Austria.

The internal investigation into the Horner case was carried out by a 70-year-old lawyer in London. The special feature, however, is that he is the legal representative of the Yoovidhya family in London. This family is known to hold 51 percent of the shares in Red Bull. His law firm "makes no secret of the fact that it works for Yoovidhya", according to "BusinessF1". 

The magazine received information from an anonymous source, who is also said to have forwarded the alleged Horner chat messages. According to this, the lawyer first informed the Thai side of the results of his investigations and only then informed the Austrian side. 

This revelation raises doubts about the independence of the investigations. The top management of the company and the Formula 1 team, including the Verstappen family, Helmut Marko and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, are well aware of the matter, but cannot comment on it publicly. 

Will the Thais get their way?
The magazine also claims that Chalerm Yoovidhia's lawyer has been instructed to exonerate Horner. The law firm to which the lawyer who carried out the investigation belongs is now standing by the Briton. 

Internally, Horner has been able to assert himself more and more in the power struggle. As reported by "Sport1", the Austrian side is even said to be considering withdrawing and continuing its own sponsorship activities via a foundation set up by Dietrich Mateschitz. This would also affect the Austrian Grand Prix, which runs until 2029 and would probably not be extended in this case. Marko's early resignation therefore also seems possible.