The historic director of the team Red Bull, Christian Hornerwas acquitted of the charge of “inappropriate behavior”the energy drink company announced this Wednesday, on the eve of the start of the Formula 1 World Cupwith the Grand Prize of Bahrain.
In a statement from Red Bull GmbHbased in Austriathe company assured that the complaint “has been dismissed” after an internal investigation “fair, rigorous and impartial”.
The team then announced that it was keeping the manager in his position.
The British Horner50 years old and boss of the team Red Bull since its creation in 2005was in question since the Dutch newspaper Telegraaf revealed that since February 5 he had been investigated internally for “inappropriate behavior” towards an employee.
Horner rejection “completely” the accusations and on February 10 he declared before “a specialized foreign lawyer” to Red Bull.
“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Horner has been completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed”noted the brand.
“The complainant has the right to file an appeal”he stressed about a case about which few details have been known.
“Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial. The investigation report is confidential and contains private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, therefore we will not be commenting further on it. about those involved”he detailed Red Bull.
With Hornermarried to the former member of the musical group Spice Girls Geri Halliwell, Red Bull became a power F1achieving seven individual titles; four for the German Sebastian Vettel (from 2010 to 2013) and three for the Dutch Max Verstappen (from 2021 to 2023).
Meanwhile, in constructors’ championship won six (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2022 and 2023).
Red Bull dominated last season, winning 21 of the 22 Grands Prix.
How the “Horner case” scandal affected Formula 1
The case Horner“had monopolized all the limelight on the planet of Formula 1 since it broke out at the beginning of February, which had led both the championship promoter and various actors to ask for a prompt resolution.
“It is a very important moment for sport, making sure we stay true to our values”declared this Wednesday, shortly before announcing the decision of Red Bullthe British Mercedes driver Lewis Hamiltondemanding a quick solution “because it is affecting the sport”.
During preseason training last week, the pattern of Mercedes Toto Wolff was categorical, considering that it was “a problem for all of Formula 1”.
“We would like to talk about sports more than those types of serious matters”declared Wolffwho requested that the investigation be “rigorous”.
“If everything is done in the right way, with transparency and rigor, we must examine the results, what it means for Formula 1 and draw lessons”he added Wolffthe only ‘Team Principal’ to respond to that question during a press conference.
A day later Horner opted for caution. “There is an ongoing procedure in which I am immersed. As I am part of it, I am afraid that I cannot comment on this matter. I really cannot comment”he simply said.
Source: Ambito
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