It was only two days ago, on Wednesday, 28th February, that Red Bull announced clearing Christian Horner from his misconduct allegations after a ‘fair, rigorous, and impartial’ investigation. However, only hours later, the ‘misconduct allegations’ against Horner took a significant turn when text messages of a ‘sexual nature’ were leaked.
Following the revelation of these messages, the FIA and F1 Presidents decided to take appropriate action regarding Christian Horner’s situation.
F1 and FIA bosses come together over Christian Horner controversy
On Thursday 29th February, dark clouds were again back in the Red Bull camp, after Christian Horner’s text messages with the female employee was leaked through an anonymous email. The email, containing 79 files, as per the Daily Mail, mostly filled with WhatsApp screenshots and some ‘images’—was sent to multiple high-profile F1 individuals and media persons, including FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 President Stefano Domenicali.
So during practice 3, Christian Horner was not on the Red Bull Pitwall, instead was in a meeting with FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem 👀
— Formula God (@formula1god) March 1, 2024
One and a half hours later they were photographed hugging in the pitlane 🤔 pic.twitter.com/M972zSVe2e
Following the event of the leaked messages, the two Presidents–Sulayem and Domenicali–planned to meet with Christian Horner on Friday, prior to the qualifying round of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Fast forward to couple of hours later, Horner was seen missing from the Red Bull paddocks during the racing session.
Later it was revealed that he was in a meeting with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and also likely with F1 President Stefano Domenicali. Horner and Ben Sulayem was again seen together hugging at the pitlane, following their meeting regarding the latest twist in Horner’s investigation.
Christian Horner reacts to latest twist in allegation investigation
Following the leak of the ‘sexual natured’ messages, Christian Horner–who was present at the Red Bull camp during the third practice session–quoted to the press members in the paddocks: “I am not going to comment on anonymous speculation from unknown sources.”
He was asked about the next possible step on this matter, to which he replied, “We go racing.”
Earlier on Thursday night, after being cleared of the allegations, he stated, “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations. I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.”
🗣️ | 🇧🇭 Christian Horner on clearing of the allegations
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) February 29, 2024
“I’m just pleased that the process is over. I obviously can’t comment about it. We’re here very much to focus on the Grand Prix and the season ahead and defend both of our titles.
The process has been conducted and… pic.twitter.com/7bZTNKBwsz
“It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister, and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season,” he concluded.
With the Formula 1 and FIA authorities set to make direct involvement in the case, Christian Horner could land in serious ‘dead waters’ soon, if found guilty, and eventually part ways with Red Bull, before the Bahrain Grand Prix on 2nd March.
Should the F1 and FIA authorities take matters into their own hands and fire Horner if found guilty? Is Christian Horner using silence as a way to hide his guilt? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
