01 March 2024 , 20:52
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Formula 1 pundit Martin Brundle has said he feels the scandal involving Red Bull chief Christian Horner needs to be brought to an "absolute conclusion" amid concerns the sport is dealing with "the beginning of the story rather than the end of it".
Horner, the Red Bull team principal, was on Wednesday cleared of misconduct by the team's Austrian parent company following an internal investigation into an "inappropriate behaviour" complaint. The 50-year-old has denied any wrongdoing throughout, and has linked up with the team in Bahrain ahead of the first grand prix of the 2024 season.
However on Thursday, the saga took another twist. Mirror Sport has since seen a number of leaked messages which allegedly show conversations between Horner and the member of Red Bull staff, although they have not been verified. Horner - while reiterating he will not speak about anonymous claims - has since reiterated that he maintains his innocence.
Brundle, part of Sky Sports' Formula 1 broadcast team, was asked about the situation in the immediate aftermath of Red Bull's statement about their chief. Since then, he has given his thoughts in more detail.
“I think it’s indisputable that Formula One is all over the front pages, all over the internet, throughout the world, and it’s not about the racing or who is going to win this grand prix,” Brundle said. “I think it’s unquestionable that it’s not good for F1, what’s going on, and I do believe that some actions need to be taken to move this along and to bring this to an absolute conclusion.
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“As I said earlier in the week, it feels like the beginning of the story rather than the end of it. But we will have to wait and see. All allegations have been denied. It’s just a horrible situation, whichever way you look at it.”
"I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations," Horner said following the leak of the alleged messages on Thursday. "I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.
Christian Horner has travelled to Bahrain, where Red Bull driver Max Verstappen will start the Grand Prix on pole (Getty Images)"It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister, and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season."
"The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed," Red Bull's own statement read on Wednesday. "The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.
"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 continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards."