Christian Horner admits he’s “delighted” the investigation into alleged “inappropriate behaviour” has ended because the Crimson Bull F1 boss returned to the paddock in Bahrain on Thursday.
The feminine colleague's grievance, first revealed on February 5, alleged “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” towards the Crimson Bull crew principal. Horner strongly denied the allegations, each on the outset and in public on the unveiling of the Crimson Bull F1 2024 automobile at Milton Keynes and final week throughout pre-season testing.
However after an investigation was carried out and accomplished by an exterior lawyer, the world champions' guardian firm Crimson Bull GmbH confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the “grievance” towards Horner had been dismissed. Nevertheless, the colleague has the best to attraction.
“I'm glad the method is over, clearly I can't touch upon that,” Horner stated Sky Sports activities Information on Thursday, earlier than observe for the season opener.
“[I’m] right here and now we’re very centered on the grand prix, the season forward and making an attempt to defend each our titles.
“I can’t provide you with any additional remark, the method has been accomplished and closed. I’m joyful to be right here in Bahrain and deal with the upcoming season.
“Throughout the crew, sure.” [unity has] he's by no means been stronger.”
Horner arrived in Bahrain on Wednesday evening and will probably be in place for the primary race of the 2024 F1 season this weekend.
A spokesman for Crimson Bull GmbH stated on Wednesday: “An impartial investigation into the allegations made towards Mr Horner has been accomplished and Crimson Bull can affirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
“The complainant has the best to attraction. Crimson Bull is assured that the investigation was truthful, rigorous and neutral.
“The investigation report is confidential and incorporates personal info of the events and third events who assisted within the investigation, and due to this fact we is not going to remark additional on it out of respect for all events concerned.
“Crimson Bull will proceed to attempt to fulfill the very best requirements within the office.”
The Crimson Bull F1 boss, 50, is married to Spice Lady member Geri Horner and is the longest-serving crew boss on the F1 grid, having been on the helm because the crew was based in 2005.
Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle insisted a press release from Crimson Bull's headquarters in Salzburg “drew a agency line” on the matter.
Horner, who signed a contract extension with Crimson Bull till 2026 in 2021, was listed as a CBE within the New 12 months's Honors for companies to motorsport, having beforehand been awarded an OBE in 2013.
He led Crimson Bull to 6 Constructors' Championship wins and 7 Drivers' Championship triumphs – three for Max Verstappen and 4 for Sebastian Vettel.
Crimson Bull received 21 of twenty-two races in 2023 in its most profitable yr in System 1 up to now, with Verstappen cruising to his third consecutive championship.
Nevertheless, the investigation into Horner's habits has forged a darkish cloud over the crew's preparations for the 2024 season, the place they may as soon as once more be favorites to win the title alongside Verstappen.
The primary race of the 2024 F1 season – with a report 24 races – takes place this Saturday 2 March in Bahrain.
