'It Is Distraction': Horner Speaks Out For First Time Since Investigation Launch

Friday, 16 February 2024 at 02:00

The team principal, Christian Horner, publicly answered questions in relation to allegations for the first time since the investigation against him was launched.

Eleven days ago, on the 5th of February, an announcement was made about the investigation that was launched against the team principal of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner.

A female employee accused the 50-year-old of "inappropriate behavior." While he reportedly very shortly denied all the accusations, according to De Telegraaf, he has not spoken publicly about the case since then.

The parent company is taking the case very seriously, and some reports suggest Horner has already been advised to step down. Although, that has not been officially confirmed.

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It wasn't clear whether the team principal would be able or would want to attend the launch of RB20, but in the end, he did, and he told BBC Sport:

"Firstly, I obviously deny the allegations that have been made. But I'm going through a process and fully respect it."

The British team principal also added that the whole investigation has obviously been a big distraction for him and the rest of his team.

"Of course, it is a distraction for the team, but the team is very together. They are very focused on the season ahead and have been tremendously supportive."

When the 50-year-old was asked whether he was the right person to lead the team, he said: "Absolutely. I've done it for 20 years and have no doubts about that."

The Briton has been with Red Bull ever since its first season in F1 and has played an essential role in shaping the team to the Championship winning form that we see today.

It was also suggested to Horner that if the same situation arose elsewhere, the executive might be expected to step down. When he was asked why that isn't the case at Red Bull, he added:

"It's very, very clear. The position of Red Bull is that it's business as normal. Of course, the allegations; there's a process Red Bull are running through and have confirmed that process externally. But obviously, there is a job to do, and I fully deny the accusations that have been made, and my role continues."