Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner has said that “the intrusion on my family is now enough” amid the fallout from the investigation into his alleged behaviour.
Horner was exonerated from the allegations through the findings compiled by an external barrister ahead of last week’s 2024 F1 season-opening round in Bahrain.
But the story has carried over to Saudi Arabia, with the complainant in question having been placed on suspension until further notice, according to multiple reports.
Horner was present in Thursday’s press conference and was subject to several questions regarding the investigation and the reported suspension of the complainant.
“There is a grievance process that takes place in any company,” Horner said. “And that process is confidential between the individuals and the company itself.
“Now, I’m not at liberty, unfortunately, due to confidentiality and out of the respect to the company and of course the other party, that we’re all bound by the same restrictions.
“Even if I would like to talk about it, I can’t because of those confidentiality restrictions. Now, there’s a reason for that.
“This has gained so much attention obviously because of the leakage and the tension that has been drawn in the media, which has been very trying in many respects and particularly for my family because it’s all been focused very much in one direction.
“What has happened then after that, others have looked to take advantage of it.
“Whether that be for, you know, unfortunately Formula One is a competitive business and there’s been obviously elements have looked to benefit from it.
“That’s perhaps the not so pretty side of our industry.
“So, of course, there are always lessons. But there’s a process that is governed within the company that it’s not an FIA issue. It’s not a Formula One issue. It’s a company employee issue and that would be the same in any major organization.”
Horner continued to outline how the unfolding story has been intrusive toward his family and wife, Geri, a present fixture at several grands prix across a season.
“It’s obviously been a very trying period, Horner admitted. “When there’s children involved, when there’s families, parents, etc. involved, it’s not pretty.
“The reality is that there was a grievance that was raised. It was dealt with in the most professional manner by the group, not by Red Bull Racing, but by the owners of Red Bull Racing, Red Bull GmbH, that appointed an independent KC that is one of the most reputable KCs in the land.
“He took time to investigate fully all of the facts. He interviewed all of the people involved together with others of interest. He looked at everything. He had all of the facts and he came to a conclusion where he dismissed the grievance.
“As far as I’m concerned, as far as Red Bull is concerned, we move on. And we look to the future.
“My wife has been phenomenally supportive throughout this, as have my family. But the intrusion on my family is now enough.
“It’s time now to focus on why we’re here, which is to go Formula One racing.”
Horner reiterated that “unfortunately through that leakage” a “private and confidential matter” has wound up getting a lot of coverage in the press and media.
He continued to thank Red Bul’s partners for their collective support throughout the developing process and continued to vocalise his desire to look toward the future, citing the backing of three drivers in the all-female F1 Academy series.
“It’s now time to focus on the track and what we’re here to do, which is to go racing,” he added.
“We’ve got some phenomenal partners that have been hugely supportive through this. The team, the company, the 1600 people that work within the group. I have to thank them as well for their support.
“We see today Formula One Academy coming alive with the support of the teams.
“We have three drivers, three cars across the Red Bull Group in that. We’ve announced new partners that we welcome to the sport and I think that now is the point of focus that we’re here for a Grand Prix and we should be talking about the cars and the drivers.”
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