The latest development in a series of events that have plagued the current Formula 1 champions before the start of the 2024 season is the decision of Red Bull Racing to appeal to the conclusion reached by an independent investigation conducted by Red Bull GmbH. The investigation found no wrongdoing on the part of Horner, while the claimant, an employee who was suspended from her job at Red Bull Racing, remains at the center of the controversy. Leaked messages, allegedly as evidence in the case between Horner and the employee, have further exacerbated the situation. Additionally, there is unrest within the team, with Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen, father of the team’s star driver Max, both calling for Horner’s departure.
The involvement of the Formula One Management and the FIA in this debacle has been minimal, with both entities calling for a swift resolution. However, a report from the Motorsport network suggests that the claimant in the case notified the sport’s governing body about a possible violation of the motorsport racing code of conduct. If this allegation proves to be true, the FIA will be compelled to intervene, as they uphold an Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy.
The FIA has not confirmed receiving any complaint and released a statement addressing the issue following the news of the appeal. The statement clarifies that investigations and complaints are handled by the Compliance Officer and the Ethics Committee, both operating independently to ensure strict confidentiality throughout the process. Consequently, the FIA cannot confirm the receipt of any specific complaint and is unlikely to provide further comments on any complaints received from any party.
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