Pink Bull workforce principal Christian Horner to stay on the helm of the 2024 F1 season opener in Bahrain; Horner is current at Sakhir for this yr's Bahrain Grand Prix, the place Pink Bull begins its title protection
12:02 PM UK Thursday 29 February 2024
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 dad or mum firm Pink Bull GmbH after allegations had been made in opposition to him by a colleague, who has the best to attraction 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 mentioned 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: “Effectively, I can't offer you any additional remark, however the course of has been executed and concluded.”
Pink Bull GmbH issued an announcement confirming the conclusion of the investigation on Wednesday, lower than 24 hours earlier than the automobiles took to the observe for the primary time on the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix.
Pink Bull workforce principal Christian Horner will stay answerable for the 2024 F1 season opener in Bahrain on Saturday after costs in opposition to him had been dismissed.
Horner, who has been answerable for Pink Bull for the reason that workforce was based in 2005, was requested if he regretted the matter changing into public.
“Once more I gained't be capable to offer you, I'm afraid there can be additional feedback on that, however I'm joyful to be right here in Bahrain after which with the workforce centered on the approaching season,” he mentioned.
Requested if the workforce was united, he added: “It's by no means been stronger throughout the workforce.”
As Horner's investigation developed
Horner has been answerable for Pink Bull Racing since its inception in 2005 and has led the workforce 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.
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 function as Pink Bull workforce principal after misconduct allegations in opposition to him had been dismissed.
When Horner attended the workforce's automotive launch at their Milton Keynes base six days later, he addressed the media for the primary time for the reason that allegations turned public and reiterated his denials.
He additionally spoke on the workforce principals' press convention throughout pre-season testing on 23 February, earlier than Pink Bull GmbH cleared Horner following allegations of inappropriate habits in direction of him.
“An unbiased investigation into the allegations made in opposition to Mr Horner has been accomplished and Pink Bull can affirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” the corporate mentioned in an announcement.
“The complainant has the best to attraction. Pink Bull is assured that the investigation was truthful, rigorous and neutral.
“The investigation report is confidential and incorporates personal info from the events and third events that assisted within the investigation, so out of respect for all concerned we won’t remark additional on it. Pink Bull will proceed to try to fulfill the best requirements within the office.” “
Max Verstappen says Christian Horner investigation doesn't concern him, deal with 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 necessary second” for F1.
“I believe it's clearly a troublesome query to reply,” seven-time world champion Hamilton mentioned.
“We should at all times try to make sport and the atmosphere wherein folks work really feel protected and inclusive, and any allegations have to be taken very critically.
“Clearly we don't know all the things that occurred, however it must be addressed as a result of it hangs over the game. It's going to be actually fascinating to see the way it's handled shifting ahead and what impression it might or might not have on the game shifting ahead.
“I believe it is a actually necessary second for the game to ensure we stand true to our values.”
Lewis Hamilton has described the investigation into alleged misconduct by Pink Bull workforce principal Christian Horner as a “actually necessary 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 mentioned when requested if the saga had affected him. “I'm very centered on simply the efficiency of the automotive and myself. Hopefully will probably be resolved very quickly.”
Regardless of turning down the chance to again Horner to remain on the workforce, Verstappen mentioned the 50-year-old was “crucial” to Pink Bull's success.
“I believe he's crucial, in any other case he wouldn't have been on this place for thus lengthy,” Verstappen mentioned.
“Let's say in case your workforce boss disappears for no matter motive for one or two races, not a lot occurs as a result of everyone seems to be of their function and is aware of what they should do within the quick time period.
“But it surely's all about managing folks 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 mentioned earlier than, we simply belief the method we're in as a workforce to see what the end result can be, and apart from that, everybody's very centered on the efficiency right here in the mean time.” on the observe and everyone seems to be in good spirits and excited to get going once more.”
Sky F1's Simon Lazenby, Martin Brundle and Naomi Schiff talk about whether or not they suppose the investigation into Pink Bull workforce principal Christian Horner will have an effect on the workforce 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 predominant 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
