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F1: Resolution into case against Red Bull boss a matter of urgency
Championship has called for the matter to be resolved as quickly as possible before the new season starts in Bahrain at the end of February.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner speaks with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem before the Sprint race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas ahead of the United States Formula One Grand Prix in 2023. (Photo by Chandan Khanna / AFP)
Formula One on Sunday called for Red Bull to resolve their investigation into team principal Christian Horner “at the earliest opportunity”.
Accusations
The world champions’ build-up to the new season was blown off course by an accusation of inappropriate and controlling behaviour levelled at Horner by a female member of staff.
Red Bull‘s parent company, the Austrian drinks giant, appointed an external lawyer to take charge of the inquiry.
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Horner was subjected to an eight-hour quizzing by the lawyer at a secret London location last week, days before one of the most successful team bosses of all time appeared at the 2024 car’s launch on Thursday.
Sport wants a conclusion
Formula One made its first public comments on the affair that has rocked the sport three days before pre-season testing begins in Bahrain on Wednesday.
“We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing.
“We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity, after a fair and thorough process,” F1’s statement read. “We will not comment further at this time.”
Horner unfazed
When news of the affair surfaced in Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Red Bull confirmed they had launched an investigation and said they were taking it “extremely seriously”.
Horner, who has overseen seven drivers world championships and six constructors titles since joining the team on their arrival in F1 in 2005, categorically denies any accusation of improper behaviour.
At this week’s car launch Horner insisted it was “business as usual” whilst admitting the investigation was “a distraction”.
Red Bull were dominant on the track in 2023, winning 21 of 22 Grands Prix as Max Verstappen romped to a third consecutive drivers’ championship.
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