Brown: Horner investigation 'not the headlines F1 need'

Zak Brown believes the ongoing investigation into Christian Horner is creating headlines Formula 1 could do without.

Horner is currently under internal investigation by Red Bull GmbH after allegations of improper conduct were made against him by an employee.

He has not been suspended from his roles as Team Principal and CEO whilst the investigation continues and denies all allegations that have been made.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff urged F1 to "learn" from the investigation, with McLaren CEO Brown believing it is creating negative headlines on the eve of the new season.

'Extremely serious'

"The allegations are extremely serious and McLaren holds itself, all the men and women to the highest standards of diversity, equality and inclusion," Brown told media including RacingNews365.

"They are extremely important to us, our partners, to everyone in Formula 1.

"The Red Bull corporation has launched an investigation and we hope that it is handled in a transparent way, and like the FIA and F1 has said, it needs to be handled swiftly.

"Because I don't think these are the type of headlines Formula 1 wants or needs at this time.

"I just think it is important that it is handled in a transparent way, in which there is no doubt and no doubt whatsoever that it has been handled appropriately, and that whatever the conclusion is, it is handled in an appropriate, transparent manner."

Horner was himself asked how he could claim it was "business as usual" for Red Bull when the CEO of the team is under internal investigation.

"As you're well aware, there's a process going on which I form a part of," he replied.

"As I form part of that process, I'm afraid I cannot comment on this."