Christian Horner has spoken out for the primary time since misconduct allegations in opposition to him had been dismissed.
Horner was investigated by Pink Bull's Austrian father or mother firm Pink Bull GmbH after allegations had been made in opposition to him by a colleague, who has the correct to enchantment the decision.
The 50-year-old has denied the allegations all through the trial and was current on the incumbent constructors' 2024 automotive launch and pre-season testing in Bahrain final week.
“I'm glad the method is over,” Horner stated Sky Sports activities Information.
“Clearly I can't touch upon that, however we're right here to focus now on the Grand Prix and the season forward and making an attempt to defend each our titles.”
Requested if he thought that was the top of the matter, he added: “Nicely, I can't offer you any additional remark, however the course of has been executed and concluded.”
Pink Bull GmbH issued a press release confirming the conclusion of the investigation on Wednesday, lower than 24 hours earlier than the automobiles took to the monitor for the primary time on the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix.
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Pink Bull group principal Christian Horner will stay in command of the 2024 F1 season opener in Bahrain on Saturday after costs in opposition to him had been dismissed.
Horner, who has been in command of Pink Bull because the group was based in 2005, was requested if he regretted the matter changing into public.
“Once more I gained't be capable of offer you, I'm afraid there will likely be additional feedback on that, however I'm completely happy to be right here in Bahrain after which with the group centered on the approaching season,” he stated.
Requested if the group was united, he added: “It's by no means been stronger throughout the group.”
As Horner's investigation developed
Horner has been in command of Pink Bull Racing since its inception in 2005 and has led the group to seven drivers' titles and 6 constructors' triumphs in 19 seasons.
On 9 February he attended an interview with an exterior specialist solicitor conducting the investigation however no decision had been reached at this stage.
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Sky Sports activities F1's Martin Brundle, Damon Hill and Naomi Schiff react to Pink Bull's announcement that Christian Horner will proceed in his position as Pink Bull group principal after misconduct allegations in opposition to him had been dismissed.
When Horner attended the group's automotive launch at their Milton Keynes base six days later, he addressed the media for the primary time because the allegations turned public and reiterated his denials.
He additionally spoke on the group principals' press convention throughout pre-season testing on 23 February, earlier than Pink Bull GmbH cleared Horner following allegations of inappropriate habits in the direction of him.
“An impartial investigation into the allegations made in opposition to Mr Horner has been accomplished and Pink Bull can affirm that the criticism has been dismissed,” the corporate stated in a press release.
“The complainant has the correct to enchantment. Pink Bull is assured that the investigation was truthful, rigorous and neutral.
“The investigation report is confidential and accommodates non-public data from the events and third events that assisted within the investigation, so out of respect for all concerned we is not going to remark additional on it. Pink Bull will proceed to try to fulfill the best requirements within the office.” “
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Max Verstappen says Christian Horner investigation doesn't concern him, concentrate on automotive efficiency as a substitute
The choice will come on the eve of the 2024 F1 season
Dialogue surrounding the investigation dominated the agenda forward of Saturday's opening race in Bahrain in 2024, with Formulation 1 and a few of Horner's counterparts demanding a swift decision.
On the drivers' press convention on Wednesday, forward of Pink Bull GmbH's announcement, Lewis Hamilton turned the newest key determine to touch upon the matter, describing the scenario as a “actually vital second” for F1.
“I feel it's clearly a troublesome query to reply,” seven-time world champion Hamilton stated.
“We should all the time try to make sport and the atmosphere through which individuals work really feel secure and inclusive, and any allegations should be taken very severely.
“Clearly we don't know all the things that occurred, nevertheless it must be addressed as a result of it hangs over the game. It's going to be actually attention-grabbing to see the way it's handled transferring ahead and what influence it could or might not have on the game transferring ahead.
“I feel it is a actually vital second for the game to ensure we stand true to our values.”
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Lewis Hamilton has described the investigation into alleged misconduct by Pink Bull group principal Christian Horner as a “actually vital second” for F1.
Alongside Hamilton on the press convention was Pink Bull driver Max Verstappen, who insisted the scenario was not affecting his preparations for his title defence.
“It's not,” Verstappen stated when requested if the saga had affected him. “I'm very centered on simply the efficiency of the automotive and myself. Hopefully it will likely be resolved very quickly.”
Regardless of turning down the chance to again Horner to remain on the group, Verstappen stated the 50-year-old was “essential” to Pink Bull's success.
“I feel he's essential, in any other case he wouldn't have been on this place for thus lengthy,” Verstappen stated.
“Let's say in case your group boss disappears for no matter cause for one or two races, not a lot occurs as a result of everyone seems to be of their position and is aware of what they need to do within the brief time period.
“But it surely's all about managing individuals over time. After which after all issues begin to change if one of many leaders is now not there.”
“However we don't suppose like that. Like I stated earlier than, we simply belief the method we're in as a group to see what the result will likely be, and apart from that, everybody's very centered on the efficiency right here for the time being.” on the monitor and everyone seems to be in good spirits and excited to get going once more.”
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Sky F1's Simon Lazenby, Martin Brundle and Naomi Schiff talk about whether or not they suppose the investigation into Pink Bull group principal Christian Horner will have an effect on the group this season.
Bahrain GP Dwell Sky Sports activities F1
Thursday, February 29
- 11:00am: Bahrain GP first follow (begins at 11:30am)
- 12:55: F3 Qualifying
- 13:40: Qualifying F2
- 14:35: Second follow on the Bahrain GP (begin at 15:00)
- 16:15: Present F1
Friday March 1st
- 10:10: F3 dash race
- 12.15pm: Bahrain GP third follow (begin at 12.30pm)
- 14:10: F2 Dash
- 15:10: Compilation of qualification for GP Bahrain
- 16:00: BAHRAIN GP QUALIFICATION
- 18:00: Ted's qualifying pocket book
Saturday, March 2
- 8.55am: F3 Fundamental Race
- 10.25am: F2 essential race
- 13:30: Preparation for GP Bahrain: Grand Prix Saturday
- 15:00: BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
- 17:00: Response to the Bahrain GP: the checkered flag
- 6:00 p.m.: Ted's pocket book
- 18:30: Highlights of the Bahrain GP
