Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has conceded the "unwanted attention" of the continued allegations against him ensured the Bahrain Grand Prix was 'not pleasant'.
Horner saw allegations of inappropriate behaviour dismissed by an independent investigation, launched by the racing team's parent company, Red Bull GmbH, on the eve of the F1 season opener.
But during practice on Thursday, an anonymous source delivered an email containing alleged evidence to Horner's nine rival team principals, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and members of the media.
Horner has denied all allegations throughout the saga. Speaking after Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez delivered a one-two finish to kick off the new campaign, he told media, including RacingNews365: "Obviously, it has not been pleasant, some of the unwanted attention, but the focus is very much on the cars.
"My focus has very much been on what's going on on track, and the result demonstrates where the whole team's focus is. We move onwards."
Viewed by others:
'End of, move on'
Asked why he thought someone would keep on pushing the situation despite the closure of the investigation, Horner replied: "I'm not going to comment on what motives whatever person may have for doing this.
"My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and going racing. I have the support of an incredible family, of an incredible wife, of an incredible team and everybody within that team.
"My focus is on going racing and winning races and doing the best that I can."
Asked by RacingNews365 whether he would stand resolute no matter what is thrown at him, Horner insisted: "One hundred per cent.
"There was a full, lengthy, internal process that was completed by an independent KC and the grievance that was raised was dismissed. End of, move on."
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and claim your chance to win F1 cale models and caps
SUBSCRIBE & WINMost read
In this article
Join the conversation!