Brown: Horner investigation not the type of headline F1 needs

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes the ongoing investigation into Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner’s conduct isn’t “the type of headlines that Formula 1 wants or needs”.

Horner was present at the launch of the Red Bull RB20 and has also been present throughout pre-season testing in Bahrain with the situation developing in the background.

The investigation, instigated by Red Bull’s parent company, relates to claims of alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a colleague.

After a similar question was put to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Wednesday, Brown asked to give his thoughts on what the investigation and its entwined allegations mean for F1.

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“Well, the allegations are extremely serious,” Brown began.

“McLaren holds themselves and all the men and women at McLaren to the highest standards.

“Obviously, diversity and equality and inclusion are extremely important to us, our partners, to everyone in Formula One.

“Red Bull Corporation, it appears, has launched an investigation. And all we hope and assume is that will be handled in a very transparent way, as FIA and Formula One has said, it needs to be handled it swiftly, because I don’t believe these are the type of headlines that Formula One wants or needs at this time and I just think it’s important that it’s handled in a transparent way in which there’s no doubt, no doubt whatsoever that it’s been handled appropriately and whatever the conclusion is that that conclusion is handled in an appropriate transparent manner.”

Horner, who was sitting in the same conference, was also asked to give his thoughts on the investigation – but due to procedure, wasn’t at liberty to provide elaborative comment.

“As you’re well aware, there’s a process going on which I form part of, and as I form part of that process, I’m afraid I cannot comment on it,” he responded.

Horner had admitted the investigation had formed a “distraction” and he was asked if that had carried into testing and how long the investigation is expected to take.

Apologetically, Horner reiterated his stance on commenting on the matter. “Look, I’m…I’m really sorry but I really can’t comment on the process or the time scale.

“I think obviously everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible but I’m really not at liberty to comment about the process,” he concluded.