Brundle calls for 'absolute conclusion' to 'horrible' Horner saga

Martin Brundle has conceded his "heart has sunk" over the "horrible" Christian Horner situation engulfing F1.

The Red Bull Team Principal was placed under investigation by Red Bull GmbH in early February following allegations from a female employee of inappropriate behaviour by Horner.

After the situation overshadowed Red Bull's season preparations, Red Bull GmbH released a statement on the eve of the Bahrain Grand Prix dismissing the case against Horner, freeing him up to resume focus on the opening race weekend of the season.

But alleged evidence was sent from an anonymous email source to the nine other F1 Team Principals, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and members of the sport's permanent media pass holders, including RacingNews365.

Asked about Red Bull's pace throughout practice, where Max Verstappen finished third for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, Brundle told Sky Sports F1: "I don't think they're performing particularly well in the windy conditions.

"But at the same time, I think it's absolutely clear that they're not miles clear of the field like some people were believing after the test.

"I think some teams have got their acts together a little bit since last week and with all the pieces on at the same time.

"In a weekend I think has been very difficult for F1 and my heart has sunk to be honest, with some with all the things that are going on, I really feel motivated by free practice three."

'Not good for F1'

Addressing Horner's situation directly, Brundle explained: "My personal take is that I am very sad about the whole thing, a lot of people are getting dragged into this.

"F1 is all over the front pages, all over the internet all around the world and it's not about the racing, it is not about who is going to win this grand prix and who is going to be on pole position.

"So I think it is unquestionable that it is not good for F1, what is 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.

"But as I have said, it feels to me like this is the beginning of the story rather than the end of it but we will have to wait and see.

"We do know that all allegations have been denied, but it is just a horrible situation."