“You have the right to appeal.” Formula 1: what decision did Red Bull make with Horner in the accusation for “inappropriate conduct”

Formula 1 is getting ready for the opening of the 2024 season, this Saturday, in Bahrain, and it already has its first bombshell: Christian Hornerhis team manager and one of the most important men in the structure Red Bull together with designer Adrian Newey, has been exonerated of all blame in the case due to accusations of inappropriate controlling behavior made against him by an employee of the automotive company.

The event had generated a huge stir in world sport and there was even speculation that the Austrian firm would make a drastic decision for reasons of image and prestige. Therefore, the parent company ordered an independent investigation, who this Wednesday announced his verdict.

Horner has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has insisted that he will defend himself firmly. On Wednesday, Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing, issued a statement evaluating the results of the investigation, which completely exonerated the 50-year-old former driver.

“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner has been completed, and R“ed Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed”, the statement said. “The complainant has the right to appeal. 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 collaborated in the investigation, so we will not make any further comments out of respect for all those involved. “Red Bull will continue to strive to meet the highest standards in the workplace.”

Horner would arrive in Bahrain this Thursday (it had been said that he would arrive this Wednesday) and will surely be approached by the international media. Horner has been at Red Bull since 2005 and under his command the team won 7 world driver titles: four of them with the German Sebastian Vettel and the remaining three with the Dutchman Max Verstappen. With this verdict, nothing will be altered from the routine at the start of the year in the top category, in which the dominant team since 2021 will have the three-time world champion and the Mexican Sergio “Checo” Pérez as drivers.

It has been almost four weeks of uncertainty and drama since the case became public. Although Red Bull did not make any specific clarification about whether Horner would continue in his position, it is inferred that, once the reasons for the accusation have been ruled out, he will support one of his pillars to continue as team director and CEO of Red Bull Racing, as he had left. Of course that was their intention while the investigation was ongoing.

Horner sprays Verstappen with champagne in the most glorious hour: the victory over Hamilton and the conquest of the title in Abu Dhabi 2021

“I am absolutely committed to this team, I have been here from the beginning, I have built this team”, he said at the presentation of this year’s car two weeks ago. “I trust the process, I am working with the process. “I absolutely deny any accusation that has been made against me,” he added. Then, he expressed himself about his management: “There have been ups and downs along the way, 113 race victories, we have won seven drivers’ world championships, six constructors’ world championships in 19 seasons. That is already in the history books, but the important thing is what lies ahead. “I focus on the future.”

The intrigue over the decision opened room for thousands of speculations. Of alleged internal billings, of the bad relationship with Helmut Marko, a high-ranking advisor and one of Red Bull’s heavyweights; of possible conflicts with the Verstappens, Max and his father Jos. Despite everything, Horner always maintained the idea that he was totally innocent.

As a detail, it is worth noting that Horner was not suspended from duty while the investigation was underway. and continued the day-to-day management of the team as it prepared for the new season. Horner’s supporters suggested he had been the victim of a power struggle at Red Bull, and described the way the matter had been handled as an attempt to cut him off from power. after the death of his supporter and friend Dietrich Mateschitzowner of Red Bull, who had hired him to lead the team when it was founded.

Red Bull made it clear that there were no deadlines for the investigation and that it would continue for as long as necessary to reach its conclusions, but there was increasing pressure for it to be resolved. Including from the other teams, such as its archrival Mercedes, with Toto Wolff as messenger. There was even talk of the commercial influences, pressures and discontent of the firms that accompany Red Bull.

Horner was surprised when Red Bull announced on February 1 that it was launching an investigation. The statement at that time said: “The company takes these matters very seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as possible.” Today, in principle, you may feel that support has returned and that everything can continue as before. Or at least it seems that way.

THE NATION

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Fórmula 1Christian HornerRed Bull Racing

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