Horner scandal to pose difficulties for Netflix

The executive producer behind the smash-hit 'Drive to Survive' docu-drama has confirmed the Christian Horner scandal will be covered in the next series - but warned that difficulties will be posed.

The saga surrounding the Red Bull team principal dominated headlines over the first few weeks of the season after it emerged in early February an internal investigation had been launched following a complaint of 'inappropriate behaviour' had been made against him by a female employee.

Although the grievance against Horner was dismissed, an email containing numerous files of alleged conversations between Horner and the woman concerned was sent to senior figures in F1, the FIA, the sport's owners Liberty Media, and to mainstream media, including RacingNews365.

Following Max Verstappen's season-opening victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, his father Jos made comments the team was ready to explode if Horner remained in charge. The Briton, however, stood resolute in the face of the flak he was subjected to.

The Netflix cameras were on hand in the paddocks in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to capture footage for its next series. Although a seventh series has not been commissioned yet, it is very unlikely it will not air in February next year.

Recognising the issues Netflix faces when it comes to detailing what unfolded around Horner, executive producer James Gay-Rees told The Telegraph: "It will have to be referenced in some capacity.

“And they will all want it to be told in a particular way, so it’s about treading that line to keep everybody happy, and to keep Netflix happy, and us – so we can sleep at night with the decisions we’ve made."

The woman concerned was afforded the right to appeal. It has yet to emerge whether it is a route she has explored.

With the situation seemingly still open, Gay-Rees added: “You have to have balance. I think Horner is looking okay for the time being, but it doesn’t feel like it’s done yet. It will all depend on how it plays out.

"I don’t know what he got up to - and I genuinely don’t have an opinion on it, but he’s been through it and you wouldn’t wish that on anybody."

Gay-Rees has revealed, however, that Horner jokingly blamed Netflix for the scandal. "Yeah, that’s what Christian said to me: 'This is all your fault'."