FIA responds to Horner compliance investigation

The FIA has released a statement after new claims surrounding the investigation into Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner.

BBC Sport has claimed that the woman at the heart of the allegations against Horner has lodged a complaint with the FIA's Ethics Committee.

The initial complaint about alleged inappropriate behaviour by Horner was investigated by Red Bull GmbH, with an experienced barrister interviewing Horner in February.

The grievance was dismissed against the Red Bull Team Principal and CEO after a "fair, rigorous, and impartial" investigation.

Shortly after the decision was made, WhatsApp messages purporting to show communications between Horner and the woman were leaked to influential F1 figures, including CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem as well as media.

The veracity of these messages continues to be investigated by both the FIA and F1.

Horner has always denied the allegations and insisted that his full focus was dealing with on-track matters amid a power struggle and increased tensions within Red Bull Racing.

In its report, BBC Sport claimed that two previous attempts to alert the FIA had been made by a whistleblower, once in February and again in March after the Bahrain Grand Prix.

As a result, the FIA has now released a statement regarding the issue.

FIA statement in full

"At the FIA, enquiries and complaints are received and managed by the Compliance Officer, and the Ethics Committee where appropriate," read a statement from F1's governing body.

"Both bodies operate autonomously, guaranteeing strict confidentiality throughout the process.

"As a consequence, and in general, we are unable to confirm the receipt of any specific complaint and it is unlikely that we will be able to provide further comment on the complaints that we may receive from any parties."