Christian Horner will proceed as Purple Bull staff principal and F1 chief govt after being cleared of inappropriate conduct in direction of a feminine colleague.
The criticism, first printed on February 5, alleged “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” towards the Purple Bull F1 boss. Horner strongly denied the allegations, each on the outset and in public on the unveiling of the Purple Bull F1 2024 automobile in Milton Keynes and final week throughout pre-season testing.
However after an investigation was carried out and accomplished by an outdoor lawyer who interviewed Horner for almost ten hours on February 9 in London, the world champions' father or mother firm Purple Bull GmbH confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the “criticism” towards Horner had been dismissed. Nonetheless, the colleague has the suitable to enchantment.
A spokesman for Purple Bull GmbH mentioned The Impartial: “An unbiased investigation into the allegations made towards Mr Horner has been accomplished and Purple Bull can verify that the criticism has been dismissed.
“The complainant has the suitable to enchantment. Purple Bull is assured that the investigation was truthful, rigorous and neutral.
“The investigation report is confidential and accommodates non-public data 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.
“Purple Bull will proceed to try to satisfy the very best requirements within the office.”
Horner arrived in Bahrain on Wednesday evening and shall be in place for the primary race of the 2024 F1 season this weekend. He’s scheduled to talk to the press after Saturday's grand prix.
The Purple Bull F1 boss, 50, is married to Spice Lady member Geri Horner and is the longest-serving staff principal on the F1 grid, having been on the helm because the staff was based in 2005.
Though unable to touch upon the character of the investigation over the previous three weeks, Horner appeared composed and undeterred by the allegations, continuously insisting it was “enterprise as ordinary” on the World Cup-winning staff.
“The assist from throughout the enterprise, from business companions, has been overwhelming,” Horner advised the UK press on 15 February.
“Clearly there's a course of occurring for the time being, some allegations have been made that I absolutely 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 assist of drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez.
Components 1 demanded a speedy decision to the investigation, whereas future Purple Bull engine associate Ford was unimpressed on the weekend by the “lack of transparency” all through the method.
Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle insisted an announcement from Purple Bull's headquarters in Salzburg “drew a agency line” on the matter.
Horner, who signed a contract extension with Purple Bull till 2026 in 2021, was listed as a CBE within the New 12 months's Honors for providers to motorsport, having beforehand been awarded an OBE in 2013.
He led Purple Bull to 6 Constructors' Championship wins and 7 Drivers' Championship triumphs – three for Max Verstappen and 4 for Sebastian Vettel.
Purple Bull gained 21 of twenty-two races in 2023 in its most profitable 12 months in Components 1 to this point, with Verstappen cruising to his third consecutive championship.
Nonetheless, the investigation into Horner's conduct has solid a darkish cloud over the staff'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.
