Defiant Christian Horner insists he won’t leave Red Bull،
SAKHIR, Bahrain — Christian Horner remained cagey about his future at Red Bull after a week of ongoing controversy regarding his internal hearing for misconduct within the company.
On Wednesday, Red Bull GmbH rejected a complaint of inappropriate behavior filed against Horner by a female F1 team member, although it could appeal the decision.
The day after the verdict, files allegedly linked to the case were leaked to the media and all teams in the F1 paddock.
Horner remained determined to continue the job he has held since 2005 and, hours after Max Verstappen started Red Bull's season in dominant fashion with victory in Bahrain, said he considered the problem resolved.
“100 percent,” Horner told reporters when asked if he felt vindicated by the investigation's findings. “There was a long, drawn out internal process that was carried out by an independent KC. And the grievance that was raised was dismissed. End. Let's move on.
“I've always been completely confident that I would be here. And I'm focused on the season ahead and the races we have coming up. What people choose to write about is up to them. But after this weekend , I'm focusing on the next race in seven days in Saudi Arabia.
Horner and his wife Geri, formerly Ginger Spice of the Spice Girls, walked hand in hand through the paddock an hour and a half before the race, then embraced in front of the cameras in a show of solidarity.
Before the race, Horner was also seen chatting and posing for photos with Chalerm Yoovidhya, 51% owner of Red Bull GmbH.
“I’ve had tremendous support within the team and the company,” Horner said Saturday night. “So, yeah, it was a day about racing, the start of the season and how to start the season in the best way possible.
“The drivers did brilliantly, the team did brilliantly, and yes, it was the best possible start for the team, for our partners, for our shareholders and for everyone within the group.”
He added: “Obviously it hasn't been pleasant, this unwanted attention.”
Before the race, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said Horner's situation was “detrimental” to Formula 1.
There is growing pressure on the governing body or F1 to investigate the matter themselves.
Asked if he was confident he would play his role all year, Horner said, “Absolutely.”
Thursday night's leaks came from an unverified email account, and Horner declined to comment on the authenticity of the messages contained in the leak or the source of the leak. The authenticity of the files has not been verified by ESPN.
“I am not going to comment on anonymous, speculative messages from an unknown source,” he said.
When asked for comment, he said: “I'm not going to comment on the motivations of whoever may have this. I'm focused on this team, my family, my wife and the race.
I have the support of an incredible family, an incredible wife, an incredible team and everyone on this team, and my goal is to race and win races and make my better.
