The president of Formula 1’s governing body has expressed his concerns over the controversy surrounding Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, stating that it is damaging the sport. However, the FIA has clarified that it will not initiate its own inquiry unless a formal complaint is lodged.
Leading up to the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, the president highlighted that any complaints received by the compliance officer would be thoroughly investigated. As of now, there have been no complaints lodged regarding Horner's situation, and the FIA is committed to following due process before taking any action.
Addressing the issue, the president emphasized the negative impact of the controversy on both the sport and individuals involved. He underscored the importance of handling such matters with sensitivity and fairness.
Earlier in the week, a complaint alleging misconduct by Horner towards a team employee was dismissed by the team’s parent company. Subsequently, during practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, a file containing purported evidence against Horner was circulated via email to various stakeholders in the F1 community.
It is important to note that the authenticity of the files has not been verified by official sources, as they were sent from a generic email account. Horner has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and refrained from engaging in discussions related to anonymous speculation.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen expressed his support for Horner, acknowledging his dedication to the team. However, Verstappen also hinted at potential distractions faced by his team principal amidst the unfolding events.
As the Formula 1 community navigates through this challenging period, the focus remains on ensuring transparency, integrity, and fairness in addressing any issues that may arise within the sport.
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