SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) – The president of Formula 1’s governing body tells the Financial Times that the controversy surrounding Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is having a negative impact on the sport, but the FIA will remain independent unless it receives complaints. He said he would not conduct an investigation.
Ahead of Saturday’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Mohamed Ben Sulayem said complaints lodged with the compliance officer will be investigated, but that he has not received any complaints related to Horner’s situation and intends to “jump the gun”. The paper reported that he said there was no such thing.
“It’s damaging the sport,” Ben Sulayem told the newspaper, adding that he spoke after meeting with Horner on Friday. “This is harmful on a human level.”
On Wednesday, the team’s parent company dismissed the complaint Allegations of misconduct by Horner toward team employees. The next day, during practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, a file purporting to contain evidence against Horner was emailed to approximately 200 people in the F1 paddock, including Liberty Media, F1, the FIA, nine other team representatives, and multiple media outlets. Sent in
The authenticity of the file has not been verified by The Associated Press. The file was sent from a common email account.
Mr Horner has denied any wrongdoing. said in a statement released Thursday. He said he “does not comment on anonymous speculation.”
Three-time defending champion Max Verstappen said after Friday’s qualifying pole position that Horner was “fully committed to the team” but that the team principal was also “probably a little distracted”.
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