Purple Bull adviser Helmut Marko has defended the timing of the corporate's investigation into “inappropriate behaviour” by F1 group boss and chief govt Christian Horner.
Horner, F1's longest-serving group boss on the grid, has been accused of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” by a feminine colleague, with the group's father or mother firm Purple Bull GmbH launching an investigation into the 50-year-old's behaviour.
Horner vehemently denied the claims once they have been first printed on February 5 and repeated the allegations on the unveiling of the F1 group's 2024 automotive in Milton Keynes final week.
With the matter stretching into pre-season testing this week – with the primary race of the season subsequent Saturday, March 2 – F1 has referred to as on Purple Bull to shut its investigation as quickly as doable.
Horner is because of be on the pitwall in Bahrain for testing, which begins on Wednesday, however Marko has defended the pace of the group's probe into the group lead. Chatting with Purple Bull's ServusTV channel in regards to the scenario, Horner Marko mentioned: “As you already know, that is an inside investigation.
“The earlier the result’s out there the higher due to course rumors and different tales are sure to develop as a result of lengthy period.
“[But] I believe Purple Bull responded very effectively on this matter. The size of time this investigation is taking will not be their fault. That's what he's attempting to do [have] a good investigation after which reply accordingly.”
Horner can also be attributable to converse at an F1 press convention in Bahrain on Thursday alongside 4 different group principals.
Though Horner was unable to touch upon the character of the investigation on the launch final week, he gave the impression to be reconciled and unfazed by the allegations, continually insisting it was “enterprise as typical” for the World Cup-winning group.
“The help from throughout the enterprise, from companions throughout the trade, has been overwhelming,” Horner advised the press at Thursday's launch.
“Clearly there's a course of occurring for the time being, some allegations have been made that I totally deny and naturally I adjust to that course of and can proceed to take action till it's concluded.”
On the request of The ImpartialHorner mentioned he additionally has the help of drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez.
Purple Bull might be Method 1 favorites in 2024 after reaching 21 wins in 22 races final yr.
