JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – MARCH 07: Oracle Red Bull Racing team principal, Christian Horner, attends the team principals’ press conference during practice ahead of the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 07, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Speaking at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah shortly after news broke that the Formula 1 champions had suspended a staff member who accused him of misconduct, Horner stated that it was time to move forward. The Briton was cleared last week following an independent investigation, vehemently denying all allegations. Horner, father of three and husband to Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support he received from his wife and family during this challenging time. In a public show of solidarity, Horner and his wife were seen entering the Bahrain paddock hand in hand last Saturday. However, Horner stressed that the intrusion into his family had reached its limit and called for a shift in focus to Formula 1 races.
The identity of the person who accused Horner has not been disclosed by the team, and specific details of the accusations remain confidential. However, alleged evidence was anonymously shared with Formula 1 media and key figures in the paddock last week, further fueling controversy. Jos Verstappen, father of team’s three-time Formula 1 world champion Max, added to the growing tensions by telling the Daily Mail that the team risked falling apart if Horner remained involved. Sky Sports News reported that the female accuser had reported for work on Monday but was suspended on full pay as a consequence of the investigation.
Horner afirmou que a reclamação foi minuciosamente examinada e rejeitada por um advogado independente de alto conceito. Embora Horner tenha sido a única pessoa mencionada na investigação, ele se recusou a comentar sobre a suspensão, citando a confidencialidade entre o funcionário e a empresa. Quando questionado sobre transparência, a mensagem transmitida ao mundo e os esforços da Fórmula 1 para promover um ambiente de trabalho positivo para as mulheres, Horner atribuiu a frenesi midiática a vazamentos anônimos e indivíduos oportunísticos em busca de ganho pessoal no competitivo mundo dos negócios da Fórmula 1.
A especulação tem sido intensa na mídia desde o Grande Prêmio do Bahrein, sugerindo que Max Verstappen pode deixar a Red Bull devido à relação tensa entre seu pai e Horner. Com a Mercedes tendo um assento vago, os rumores se intensificaram. Horner revelou que havia conversado com Verstappen após a abertura da temporada, parabenizando-o pelo desempenho de seu filho. Vale ressaltar que o pai de Verstappen não está presente em Jeddah esta semana. (Reportagem de Alan Baldwin)
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