The conclusion of the investigation into Christian Horner’s alleged inappropriate behavior toward a female Red Bull employee was hailed by Lewis Hamilton as “a really important moment for the sport.”
Red Bull executives have now exonerated Horner after he has consistently refuted the allegations. They made this announcement on Wednesday afternoon, just after Hamilton made remarks during a preview of this Saturday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
Before the investigation was finished, the 39-year-old Mercedes driver addressed the topic, saying, “We always have to do more to try to make the sport and the environment for people to work in feel safe and inclusive.”
“All accusations must be investigated thoroughly. Although we are unaware of all the details, the situation needs to be handled since it is threatening the sport.
It will be interesting to observe how it is resolved and what impact it might or might not have on the sport in the future. Make sure we stay loyal to our principles at this crucial juncture for the sport.”
“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr. Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” a Red Bull representative stated. An appeal is within the complainant’s rights. Red Bull is certain that the inquiry was conducted in an impartial, thorough, and fair manner.
“We will not be making any other comments regarding the investigation report as it is confidential and includes the private information of the parties and third parties that cooperated in the inquiry.
Three-time world champion and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, meanwhile, has continued to concentrate on racing. Before the release of his team’s statement, Verstappen also made the following statement about Horner: “He is very important; otherwise, he wouldn’t have held that position for as long as he has.”
“Not much will happen if your team boss vanishes for any reason during one of the two races because everyone is playing their part. If one of the leaders were to go, then things would start to change, but that is not how we think.
“We have faith in the process, but we still need to wait and watch. Aside from that, everyone is concentrated on staying on course, and we are eager to resume.”
Last week, Horner denied the now-rejected claims once more while conducting tests in Bahrain. The 50-year-old confirmed, “There’s been a day job to be getting on with.” “I sense the industry’s and our partners’ and the company’s support.
“It’s too much. There is currently a process in progress. There have been certain accusations, which I completely refute. I have followed the process to the letter, and I will do so until it is resolved.
“Everybody’s focused on one thing, which is the performance of that car to go out and defend both the world titles that we’ve worked so hard to achieve over the last couple of years.”
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