F1 issue statement on Christian Horner after Red Bull launch investigation into boss | F1 | Sport
F1 issue statement on Christian Horner after Red Bull launch investigation into boss | F1 | Sport
Formula One have acknowledged Red Bull’s investigation into allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ made against team principal Christian Horner by a colleague – and want a resolution as quickly as possible. An independent probe has been prompted after a complaint was made about Horner’s conduct. And F1 have now released a statement to address the matter.
The Red Bull chief was questioned by an independent lawyer last week as part of the investigation by the F1 team’s Austrian parent company Red Bull GmbH. The session is believed to have lasted for eight hours.
F1 had previously not commented on the investigation. However, it now says it has ‘noted’ the probe and hopes that a swift conclusion will be reached.
A statement on Sunday read: “We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing. We hope the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity, after a fair and thorough process. Will not comment further at this time.”
Red Bull have not confirmed the nature of the alleged complaint but Horner has made clear that he denies the allegations.
Horner, who has overseen the company’s F1 team since its inception in 2005, insists it is “business as usual” with two weeks to go until the 2024 season begins in Bahrain. He says that he has not considered resigning over the matter.
« Not at all, absolutely not, » the 50-year-old said when asked if he had considered resigning. « I am fully committed. I built this team. I convinced people to come and work here. »
He later added in a separate interview with Sky Sports: « It’s business as usual, there obviously is a process. Obviously, I fully deny any accusations that have been made against me. Of course I work with that process which I hope is concluded in the near future. »
Ford, set to become Red Bull’s engine partner in 2026, have also spoken on the matter recently. Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said: « As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners.
« It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.
« And that’s why they’ve got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on it all. »
Cet article est apparu en premier en ANGLAIS sur https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1868037/F1-Christian-Horner-Red-Bull-investigation
