How Christian Horner has thrived in the high-octane sphere of an F1 team

‘We play our music loud, we don’t conform, we are not answerable to an engine manufacturer,’ said Christian Horner of Red Bull Racing’s culture. Photograph: David Davies/PA

Managing pressure is an integral part of Formula One. At the sharp end of the sport it is the team principals who carry the responsibility and the burden and it is of considerable weight. Christian Horner is no stranger to dealing with it during a career marked by a focused and driving ambition that has delivered extraordinary success.

However Horner, the Red Bull team principal, is facing a week of scrutiny perhaps like no other he has encountered during his 20 years in F1, as the team’s parent company conducts an investigation into allegations of inappropriate controlling behaviour made against him.