SUMMARY
- FIA president delays investigation into Christian Horner allegations, citing potential harm to F1.
- Leak during Bahrain Grand Prix weekend suggests efforts to pressure Horner, prompting discussions with F1 executives.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has decided against an immediate investigation into the allegations against Christian Horner, acknowledging the detrimental impact on F1. Horner faced scrutiny following allegations of misconduct by a female employee, which prompted a detailed and independent investigation lasting eight weeks.
However, despite the dismissal of the complaints due to a lack of evidence, the situation took an unexpected turn during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. The leaked information hints at efforts to pressure Horner into resigning, potentially prolonging the controversy. Horner held discussions with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and Ben Sulayem to address the unfolding events.
“It is the beginning of the season. F1 is becoming so popular. We just need to enjoy the beginning of the season. Look at the competition. Why do we overshadow it with negativity?” – Mohammed Ben Sulayem
To me it sounds like a plea to look the other way, and that’s awful. #F1 pic.twitter.com/jvFWsEArMS
— Simon Dau (@there_is_no_if) March 1, 2024
Nevertheless, Ben Sulayem highlighted the negative impact of the situation on F1. This lack of transparency has fueled suspicions that Red Bull aims to do away with the issue. While the F1 community and fans were raging regarding the seriousness of the issue, Sulayem’s comments on the matter had upset them all.
Fans discontent with Ben Sulayem’s handling of Christian Horner issue
Right after Horner’s questionable messages leaked, the president of FIA stated, “It’s damaging the sport, this is damaging on a human level. It is the beginning of the season. F1 is becoming so popular. We just need to enjoy the beginning of the season. Look at the competition. Why do we overshadow it with negativity?”
This comment did not please the fans who were hoping for unbiased scrutiny on the issue.
A fan who goes by the username @WillemWoerd on X commented, “Horrendous. There is no situation Ben can’t make worse by getting involved, is there?”
Another user @coldmax07 wrote, “After all these years it’s pretty wild to anything more than this kind of response from this sports. They can’t let of if their own go down.” Onlookers were expecting a solid action from the management. However, FIA’s handling of the issue was rather subpar.
Horner denies all allegations amid leak before Bahrain GP
Christian Horner has once again rejected accusations of inappropriate conduct following the supposed series of messages. This development occurred just before Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Stefano Domenicali were scheduled to convene. However, according to Horner, “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.”
Christian Horner clearly thinks that saying, “I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations,” will get him out of this.
Anyone with any experience of the world knows what happened here. He has to go. The sooner the better.
— Remarkable (@RemIsBuzzin) March 2, 2024
He went on to state, “I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way. It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made.” Despite the back and forth of allegations and investigation, the Red Bull boss is also facing issues in his personal life.
According to sources, Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell feels ‘humiliated’ due to the new chat reveal. The former Spice Girls singer has been supporting her husband throughout the inquiry. Nonetheless, these incidents have been taking a toll on their marriage.