Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has mentioned his Red Bull boss Christian Horner is “probably a little bit distracted” as he faces extra questions over its investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour.
Team principal Horner, who’s married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, mentioned he “won’t comment on anonymous speculation” after materials reported to have been a part of Red Bull’s current probe into him was leaked.
The 50-year-old was positioned beneath investigation following allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the direction of a feminine colleague however has since been cleared.
Asked in regards to the leaked materials after he took pole place in qualifying within the first race of the season in Bahrain on Saturday, Verstappen mentioned: “It’s not our business.
“When I take a look at how Christian operates throughout the crew, he has been an unimaginable crew boss, so completely from the efficiency facet of issues, you may’t even query that.
“So that’s what I am also dealing with. I speak to Christian a lot, and also of course throughout the weekend here he is fully committed to the team.
“He’s additionally right here for the efficiency, in fact most likely a bit bit distracted, however like I mentioned earlier than, we simply deal with the efficiency issues and that is how all of us work collectively.”
The materials was leaked to quite a few media organisations and F1 crew principals from an nameless e-mail account, however has not been confirmed as real.
Horner subsequently launched a press release, saying: “I will not touch upon nameless hypothesis however to reiterate, I’ve at all times denied the allegations.
“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully co-operated with it every step of the way.
“It was a radical and honest investigation performed by an impartial specialist barrister and it has concluded dismissing the criticism made. I stay absolutely centered on the beginning of the season.”
Horner had denied the allegations all through the method and was current on the crew’s 2024 automobile launch and pre-season testing in Bahrain final week.
He had been questioned for eight hours by a lawyer on 9 February.
Red Bull confirms grievance dismissed
In a press release, Red Bull mentioned: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
“The complainant has a proper of enchantment. Red Bull is assured that the investigation has been honest, rigorous and neutral.
“The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.
“Red Bull will proceed striving to satisfy the best office requirements.”
Horner has mentioned his spouse has been “very supportive” in the course of the course of. He additionally revealed he had been “overwhelmed” by messages of goodwill from throughout the sport.
He has been Red Bull crew principal since they entered Formula One 19 years in the past and is the longest-serving boss on the grid.
During that interval he has overseen the crew win seven drivers’ world championships and 6 constructors’ titles.
Source: information.sky.com”