LE CASTELLET, FRANCE – JULY 22: Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull Racing, watches from the pitwall during practice before the F1 Grand Prix of France at Circuit Paul Ricard on July 22, 2022 in Le Castellet, France. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
After recent news emerged, the leader of Red Bull is fighting to maintain his position at the reigning world champions as testing and the start of the season approach.
Red Bull’s parent company in Austria announced on February 5th an independent investigation into the behavior of the 50-year-old British individual following unspecified accusations against him. The investigation is still ongoing. Horner has denied any wrongdoing.
On Monday, the FIA based in Paris issued a statement: “In regards to the ongoing independent investigation conducted by Red Bull GMbH, the FIA emphasizes that until the investigation is concluded and the outcome is determined, we will refrain from making further comments.
“The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and inclusivity within the sport.”
Formula One’s commercial rights holder released a short statement on Sunday expressing hope that “the matter will be clarified as soon as possible, following a fair and thorough process.”
Similar to the FIA, they also stated that no additional comments will be made until the outcome is known.
Neither the energy drink company nor the British-based team have revealed the specifics of the accusations, although media reports have mentioned inappropriate and controlling behavior towards a female colleague.
During the unveiling of his team’s RB20 car in Milton Keynes last Friday, Horner expressed confidence and stated that he was cooperating with the process, while strongly denying “any allegation that has been made against me.”
According to Sky Sports, an independent barrister presided over a hearing in London on February 9th that lasted nearly eight hours.
The British individual is expected to attend testing in Bahrain this week and is scheduled to participate in a regular FIA news conference on Thursday alongside other F1 team principals before the opening race at Sakhir on March 2nd.
If Horner is forced to leave Red Bull, it would be a significant surprise to the sport. Last year, he led the team to the most dominant season in the history of Formula 1, with Red Bull winning 21 out of 22 races. They will begin the new season with Dutch driver Max Verstappen vying for a fourth consecutive title.
Horner is also the longest-serving team boss in Formula 1 and was the youngest when he brought Red Bull into the sport in 2005. (Reported by Alan Baldwin)
According to the Source grandprix247.com
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