The 2024 Components 1 racing season solely formally began on March 2, however already 24 races into the season the main target is on the scandal. Pink Bull F1 group boss Christian Horner has been accused of misconduct by a group worker and has leaked a string of sexually suggestive messages in current weeks. Under is the whole lot that you must know concerning the ever-evolving scenario:
Who’s Christian Horner?
Horner is a British motorsport government and former racing driver who has led the Pink Bull Components 1 group since 2005. Horner can be the husband of former Spice Woman Geri Halliwell, who appeared alongside him on the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix this month, at the same time as Horner's messages . had been escaping. Each have been married since 2015 and have a younger son.
What was Horner accused of?
In early February 2024, reviews emerged {that a} Pink Bull worker had advised the group's mother or father firm that Horner had engaged in “inappropriate, controlling habits”. Pink Bull carried out an inside investigation and formally cleared Horner on 28 February, however only a day later a flood of sexually suggestive texts and photographs allegedly despatched by Horner and his accuser leaked to outstanding F1 officers. Jos Verstappen, former racing driver and father of opening season Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen, then mentioned Day by day mail that he felt Horner needs to be faraway from his place, saying: “The group is in peril of being torn aside. It may possibly't go on like this. It can explode. He's taking part in the sufferer when he's the one inflicting the issues.'
How did Components 1 react?
The FIA (or Fédération Internationale de l'Vehicle), motorsport's governing physique, issued a press release in (partial) response to a proper criticism lodged with its ethics fee by Horner's accuser. An announcement launched this week learn: “On the FIA, [inquiries] and complaints are acquired and managed by the Compliance Officer and, the place relevant, the Ethics Committee. Each our bodies function autonomously and assure strict confidentiality all through the method. Because of this, and usually, we’re unable to verify receipt of any particular criticism and are unlikely to have the ability to present additional touch upon complaints we might obtain from any occasion.”
Why was Horner's accuser kicked out of Pink Bull?
On March 7, it was reported that Pink Bull had reportedly suspended a feminine worker who had accused Horner of wrongdoing with full pay. (A Pink Bull spokesperson solely known as it an “inside matter” and declined to remark additional.) Horner's accuser has reportedly appealed the choice made by Pink Bull's investigation into the allegations.
