Crimson Bull staff boss Christian Horner was the topic of an investigation launched by the F1 staff's Austrian father or mother firm following allegations of inappropriate behaviour; Horner will stay on the helm of Saturday's opening race of the 2024 F1 season in Bahrain
17:37 UK Wednesday 28 February 2024
Christian Horner will proceed in his function as Crimson Bull staff principal after misconduct allegations in opposition to him had been dismissed.
The 50-year-old was investigated by the F1 staff's Austrian father or mother firm Crimson Bull GmbH after allegations had been made in opposition to him by a feminine colleague.
Horner has denied the allegations all through the trial and was current on the incumbent constructors' 2024 automobile launch and pre-season testing in Bahrain final week.
Crimson Bull GmbH issued a press release confirming the conclusion of the investigation on Wednesday, lower than 24 hours earlier than the vehicles took to the observe for the primary time on the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix.
“An unbiased investigation into the allegations made in opposition to Mr Horner has been accomplished and Crimson Bull can affirm that the criticism has been dismissed,” the corporate stated in a press release.
Lewis Hamilton has described the investigation into alleged misconduct by Crimson Bull staff boss Christian Horner as
“The complainant has the suitable to enchantment. Crimson Bull is assured that the investigation was honest, 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 won’t remark additional on it. Crimson Bull will proceed to try to satisfy the best requirements within the office.” “
Horner attended an interview with an exterior specialist solicitor conducting the investigation on 9 February, however no decision has been reached at this stage.
Max Verstappen says Christian Horner investigation doesn't concern him, give attention to automobile efficiency as an alternative
When Horner attended the staff's automobile launch at their Milton Keynes base six days later, he addressed the media for the primary time for the reason that allegations grew to become public and reiterated his denials.
Horner has been answerable for Crimson Bull Racing since its inception in 2005 and has led the staff to seven drivers' titles and 6 constructors' triumphs in 19 seasons.
The choice will lastly 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 System 1 and a few of Horner's counterparts demanding a swift decision.
On the drivers' press convention on Wednesday, forward of Crimson Bull GmbH's announcement, Lewis Hamilton grew to become the most recent key determine to touch upon the matter, describing the scenario as a “actually necessary second” for F1.
“I believe it's clearly a tough query to reply,” seven-time world champion Hamilton stated.
“We should all the time try to make sport and the atmosphere by which individuals work really feel secure and inclusive, and any allegations have to be taken very significantly.
Mercedes staff principal Toto Wolff says the continuing investigation into his Crimson Bull counterpart Christian Horner over alleged misconduct is “an issue for the entire of System 1”.
“Clearly we don't know the whole lot that occurred, but it surely 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 shifting ahead and what influence it could or might not have on the game shifting ahead.
“I believe it is a actually necessary second for the game to verify we stand true to our values.”
Alongside Hamilton on the press convention was Crimson 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 automobile and myself. Hopefully it is going to be resolved very quickly.”
Regardless of turning down the chance to again Horner to remain on the staff, Verstappen stated the 50-year-old was “crucial” to Crimson Bull's success.
McLaren staff principal Zak Brown offers his views on the present investigation into Christian Horner and misconduct at Crimson Bull
“I believe he's crucial, in any other case he wouldn't have been on this place for therefore lengthy,” Verstappen stated.
“Let's say in case your staff 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 must do within the brief time period.
“But it surely's all about managing individuals over time. After which in fact issues begin to change if one of many leaders is not there.”
“However we don't assume like that. Like I stated earlier than, we simply belief the method we're in as a staff to see what the end result shall be, and aside from that, everybody's very centered on the efficiency right here in the intervening time.” on the observe and everyone seems to be in good spirits and excited to get going once more.”
Schiff: I imagine Crimson Bull did the whole lot they may
F1 Sky Sports activities' Naomi Schiff reacts to Horner being cleared by the Crimson Bull investigation:
“Crimson Bull is a big firm. It's a company matter. The investigation was dealt with, whether or not it was unbiased or not, you’d assume and assume that they’re taking it very significantly and coping with it completely pretty.”
“If it seems that's not the case, it's in peril of going utterly incorrect. So I imagine they've finished the whole lot they will.
“What they are saying within the assertion is essential. There’s a sure stage of discretion that must be maintained as a result of it includes individuals's non-public lives that don't should be uncovered to the world.”
“So we simply hope it's clear and it doesn't go any additional except it's vital, however you don't need it to loom massive over the game and the credibility of those individuals.”
Brundle: Crimson Bull drew a agency line behind it
F1 Sky Sports activities' Martin Brundle reacts to Horner being cleared by the Crimson Bull investigation:
“Crimson Bull, the father or mother firm, have drawn a really thick and agency line beneath this matter by way of their assertion.
“They are saying the complainant might take additional motion in opposition to this, however they’re clear. They did a radical investigation and spoke for hours, many pages of paperwork had been produced, so there was clearly loads to speak about.”
“Christian Horner has all the time strenuously denied any wrongdoing on this matter and they’re actually 'case closed and finished'.
“I discover it a really unusual matter. We didn't know any info about this story, quite a lot of hype, quite a lot of rumors going round.”
“We are able to solely go by that assertion and it appears to be like like a line drawn beneath it and we'll see if anything comes out of it from third events.”
