Red Bull owner Chalerm Yoovidhya 'sends Thai spy to snoop on Christian Horner'
Christian Horner's Red Bull saga has taken another dramatic twist.
Red Bull owner Chalerm Yoovidhya has reportedly sent a Thai spy to observe team principal Christian Horner and the entire Formula One operation amid the saga involving the English executive. Horner was cleared in a team investigation of wrongdoing following allegations of inappropriate behaviour on the eve of the 2024 F1 season.
German outlet Bild claim that the Red Bull majority owner sent a family member dubbed the 'Thai spy' to keep tabs on Horner and the team, with plans to increase the family's role.
Yoovidhya and his family had taken a hands-off approach during their time in charge, but stoked concerns that they are planning to make big changes once they get an inside look at operations.
Horner has been under increased pressure in the past few weeks and also the subject of a spy's attention, after Yoovidhya's family member flew to the team's headquarters in Milton Keynes to assess each department of Red Bull Racing.
Stay up-to-date with the latest F1 news
Join us on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Yoovidhya owns 51 per cent of the team and is said to be ready to assert more dominance, rather than continuing to take a backseat, amid concerns over the uncertain futures of Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey as a result of Horner's scandal.
Company founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who passed away in 2022, previously held significant importance within the team and with the Austrian no longer involved, Yoovidhya wants to step up the family's involvement.
Don't miss...
Red Bull 'ready to let Max Verstappen leave' as Horner saga takes new turn [REACTION]
FIA ethics committee notified of Christian Horner complaint as Red Bull rocked [LATEST]
Max Verstappen causing 'difficult' problem for Red Bull ahead of Australian GP [ANALYSIS]
Horner has remained in his role at Red Bull after pledging to stay at the team despite calls from prominent figures for the 50-year-old to be sacked, including Verstappen's father Jos.
While the team principal's accusor, also a Red Bull employee, has been suspended with full pay as they appeal last month's verdict which exonerated Horner.
But he is facing growing pressure after his accusor recently changed lawyers and the furore surrounding him not letting up, with Red Bull majority owner Yoovidhya paying closer attention to the team.