Ahead of the 2024 F1 season, there has been unexpected changes, with the departure of Carlos Sainz from Ferrari at the end of 2024 as the Spaniard is replaced by F1’s most successful ever driver Lewis Hamilton.
Of course, there is the ongoing story of the allegations against Christian Horner, in which the Briton is alleged to have behaved inappropriately towards a colleague.
Red Bull’s team principal has been present throughout the pre-season test and for the first time, at a press conference, the heads of other teams were questioned about it, including Zak Brown, who commented that these allegations are extremely serious and that, at McLaren, all employees are held to the highest standards and he was quick to mention how important diversity and inclusion are.
“Well, the allegations are extremely serious. 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.”
The McLaren CEO said he expects everything to be handled in a transparent manner, but added that this must be resolved quickly, as these are not the headlines the sport needs:
“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 at the same conference, declined to comment on the issue because, as part of the process, this is not allowed: “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.”
The Royal Leamington man was then questioned about the length of the process, and once again reiterated that he could not comment on that, although he admitted that it had been a distraction:“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.”
Very few people seem to be aware of where the process stands and what direction it will take, so for now, we can only wait and see what the future holds for Christian Horner, who has been team principal for 19 years since Red Bull was formed in 2005.
