Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says his team have been unaffected by an investigation into his conduct.
The team’s owners announced the conclusion of an independent investigation into allegations against Horner yesterday. It said the grievance had been “dismissed”.The investigation came to light over three weeks earlier. Horner said he was pleased to put it behind him.
“The process has been conducted and concluded,” he told Sky.
“I’m just pleased that the process is over. I obviously can’t comment about it, but here very much to focus now on the grand prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles.”
Horner is beginning his 20th season in charge at Red Bull. He continued to perform his duties as team principal during the investigation, appearing at the team’s launch and in pre-season testing.
Although he previously admitted the investigation had been a “distraction” for the team, he said today they are as united as ever heading into the new season. “Within the team it’s never been stronger,” said Horner.
Neither he nor Red Bull have given any details of the allegations made against him. “The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned,” said the team’s owners yesterday.
Horner appeared in the Bahrain International Circuit paddock today in time for the start of practice for the first grand prix of the new season.
His driver Max Verstappen yesterday denied the investigation had any affect on his preparation for the new season. “I’m very focused on just the performance of the car and myself,” he said in the FIA press conference.
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Jack
29th February 2024, 12:34
Sky seem desperate to keep on about it
Pete
29th February 2024, 13:45
Goes without saying. BBC are trying the same as well. It may have all been a lie, it may have been a misunderstanding or it may have been a coverup but it’s sad that some people appear to be wishing that something nasty had actually happened because it would benefit the team they support. I’ve seen lots pretending to care about the woman who made the accusations but it inevitably quickly drifts towards “…so Horner should be sacked.” That’s what it’s all about – they want Horner gone and don’t really care about any of the details behind it.
Djangles LeVaughn (@royal-spark)
29th February 2024, 14:23
Here is what I think.
If it were the team principal of a smaller, not-so-competitive team this sort of problem would have received less attention.
However, because it is the team principal of the driver who committed the heinous crime of beating ‘The Lewis’ to the Drivers’ championship (controversial circumstances or not), the likes of Sky and the BBC won’t let this slide.
They wanted Horner to be thrown under the bus; Red Bull stuck with him.
They wanted his head to roll; he was acquitted of wrong doing (for now).
Anything to unsettle Max and Red Bull, yet they carry on unrattled, unphased and undeterred.
Yellow Baron
1st March 2024, 10:24
You do realise its sky f1 themselves at the time of it happening that threw abudhabi 21 under the rug themselves? Only Johnny Herbert didn’t tow the line and he got fired
Tristan
29th February 2024, 12:41
Sure sure… I believe that about as far as I can throw it.
MichaelN
29th February 2024, 13:26
Sounds like a good time to finally sue the people who claimed Red Bull broke the budget cap, something Horner strongly denied, and warned would have legal consequences. It’s a bit overdue.
SteveP
29th February 2024, 15:36
You want to see them sue the FIA accountants?
Invisiblekid (@invisiblekid)
29th February 2024, 13:50
While I’m sure we will never get to hear about the details etc. But to come out and say the team was uneffected and now we will use the accusation to build a stronger team? Just eew.
RB seemed VERY confident this was either false or not close to being abusive behavour from Horner, so who knows.