Christian Horner has appealed to the Formula 1 community to put an investigation into his conduct behind them.
The Red Bull team principal and CEO, who has held the position for a significant duration, was exonerated from allegations of improper behaviour toward a female staff member following a comprehensive international inquiry concluded on February 28.
However, just a day after his clearance, documents purporting to demonstrate such misconduct were circulated to media representatives and Formula 1 officials.
It has now come to light that the individual accusing Horner has been suspended by Red Bull as the team prepares for the season’s second race in Saudi Arabia.
In his initial appearance at a team principal press conference for the season, Horner addressed the controversy, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation.
“I’m very fortunate that I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife. And I’m the only one who has been named in this,” said Horner.
“So of course it’s very trying, it’s very challenging, because when there’s children involved, when there’s families, parents etc involved, it’s not pretty.
“My wife has been phenomenally supportive through this, as has my family, but the intrusion on my family is now enough, and we need to move forward and focus on what we are here for.
He added: “It is time now to focus on why we are here, which is to go Formula 1 racing.”
Seeking to distance himself and the team from the controversy, Horner emphasized that the complaint against him has been conclusively dismissed.
“There’s been a lot of coverage surrounding this,” said the 50-year-old. “One has to go back to the basis of a grievance was raised, fully investigated and it was dismissed. And from there we move onwards.
“Obviously a lot has been made out of this, It has been of great interest in different elements of the media for different reasons.
“I think it’s time now to draw a line under it and look forward. We’re here to go racing, we’re here as a Formula 1 team, and the time now is to focus on what is going on on track and the performance of the cars and the drivers and where the spotlight should be during a Grand Prix weekend.”
When questioned about reports the accuser has been suspended, the Red Bull Team Principal stated: “I can’t comment on anything that’s confidential between an employee and the company.”
