F1 and the FIA must ‘set the compass right’ regarding the scandal surrounding Red Bull boss Christian Horner, according to Mercedes’ Toto Wolff.
The 2024 F1 season is officially up and running following the opening race in Bahrain on Saturday which was won easily by Max Verstappen.
However, the whole event, and much of the winter break, has been overshadowed by the Horner scandal, after he was investigated over allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ made against him by a female employee of the Red Bull team.
The 50-year-old was cleared by Red Bull, but after a supposed leak of texts and images related to the probe, which the Metro have seen, the saga is far from over.
Horner has maintained his innocence throughout, and was supported by his wife, the former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, in Bahrain.
While Red Bull and Horner are keen to draw a line over the matter, some weren’t too happy with the confidential nature of the investigation, including rival Wolff who had previously lead calls for more ‘transparency’.
Following the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Mercedes drivers George Russell and Sir Lewis Hamilton finished a ‘disappointing’ fifth and seventh, Wolff called on the powers that be to resolve the matter properly.
Christian Horner investigation – what we know
But the Austrian was also keen to stress that he did not want to comment too much more on the story moving forward.
‘From where we sit, it’s really difficult to say any more. This is now a decision for Red Bull and the governing body [FIA],’ the Silver Arrows team principal said.
‘It’s not in the hands of competitors to have any action. If we go beyond what we’ve already said, it looks like a battle between competitors in Formula One.
‘I don’t want to diminish the whole situation by making it seem like the Mercedes or the McLaren guy talks about the Red Bull guys.
‘I think let’s see where it goes in the next few days. I would very much hope that the governing body, the sanctioning body, the commercial right holder sets the compass right.’
During Friday practice, Horner was summoned away from the pitwall to crisis talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded…
Monday 5 February – Red Bull confirm investigation into Horner over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations
Friday 9 February – Horner grilled by independent lawyer during eight-hour hearing
Thursday 15 February – Horner attends Red Bull’s 2024 car launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time – says he ‘fully denies’ any wrongdoing
Friday 16 February – Fresh allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner sent messages of a ‘suggestive nature’ to a female employee
Wednesday 21 February to Friday 23 February – Horner attends Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain – says: ‘We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible’
Friday 23 February – Sixth series of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix – Horner and wife Geri Halliwell feature in docuseries
Wednesday 28 February – Horner cleared of allegations – Red Bull say: ‘The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal’
Thursday 29 February to Saturday 2 March – Formula 1 season gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix
Thursday 29 February – WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel
Friday 1 March – Horner summoned for showdown talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Wolff also added that he ‘unfortunately’ missed Horner and Halliwell walking into the paddock hand-in-hand in a show of solidarity before the race.
‘My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and going racing,’ Horner said post-race.
‘I have the support of an incredible family, of an incredible wife, of an incredible team and everybody within that team and my focus is on going racing and winning races and doing the best that I can.’
The saga is set to rumble on while the F1 season continues, with the next race in Saudi Arabia next Saturday.
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