The governing body of the sport may be obliged to deal with the situation involving Christian Horner due to an alleged disclosure of evidence against the 50-year-old man.
Christian Horner has recently been in the spotlight for unfavorable reasons. The individual in question, at 50 years old, was subjected to an investigation by Red Bull following allegations of misconduct. The British citizen was ultimately cleared of all charges by the Austrian corporation. However, the situation took a different turn with the emergence of a substantial anonymous leak exposing evidence allegedly related to this case. This raises the question: Could Christian Horner be fired by the FIA?
The governing body of the sport issued a statement about the entire case prior to its conclusion. The organization led by Mohammed Ben Sulayem declared that it would refrain from taking any further action until the process was completed, emphasizing the importance of justice and inclusion in the sport. However, the FIA has not yet provided an official comment on Horner since he was cleared of all charges, nor addressed the data breach.
The FIA’s International Sporting Code contains specific provisions that prioritize the values of the governing body of the sport. Article 12.2.1.f prohibits any language, actions, or written materials that may cause harm or loss to the FIA and its stakeholders. Furthermore, Article 12.2.1.k categorizes “any misconduct” as a violation of the sporting regulations, including individuals affiliated with competitors like Christian Horner of Red Bull. This regulatory amendment was implemented for the year 2024.
The FIA’s International Sporting Code focuses on penalizing drivers for misconduct or infractions. Formula 1 drivers can face fines of up to €1 million. In serious cases, the governing body of the sport may even suspend certain individuals. However, as an F1 Team Principal, any action against Christian Horner would likely need to be initiated by a National Sporting Authority (ASN).
According to Article 12.10.2 of the sporting code, a suspension can only be imposed by an ASN. This penalty would prohibit Horner from participating in any competition organized by the specific ASN in the case of a national suspension. However, if an international suspension were imposed, Christian Horner would be prohibited from participating in competitions in all countries where the authority of the FIA is recognized.
Undoubtedly, it remains to be seen whether the FIA will take any action against Christian Horner in light of the recent developments. The 50-year-old man continues to vehemently deny all allegations and anonymous speculations. However, it is evident that the F1 community will be fully engaged in this case in the coming weeks.
