Horner launches passionate defence as scandal coverage continues

Christian Horner has launched a passionate defence of himself and his family, calling for an end to the turmoil created by the accusations levelled against him over alleged inappropriate behaviour.

Horner was placed under investigation in February by Red Bull GmbH after an employee filed a complaint against the Red Bull team principal and CEO, only for it to be dismissed ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

But during on-track running in Bahrain, alleged evidence was leaked via an anonymous source, continuing the focus on Horner and the complainant.

The topic has remained the dominant discussion in F1 given the internal issues that became apparent following a one-two for the team at the Bahrain International Circuit, particularly after Max Verstappen's father Jos added fuel to the fire by suggesting he would seek a move away for the three-time world champion if Horner remained in position.

Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, RacingNews365 learned the employee who filed the complaint against Horner had been suspended by Red Bull with full pay.

'I'm the only one named'

Asked by RacingNews365 if he was concerned about the damage caused to his and the accuser's reputation by the saga, Horner told media: "It has obviously been a very trying period.

"I am married and have three children and when that intrusion includes your children and the scrutiny it has placed on my marriage... and I am very fortunate that I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife.

"I'm the only one who has been named in this, so, of course, it is very trying, very challenging.

"When there are children involved, when there are families, parents etcetera involved, it is not pretty and the reality is that there was a grievance that was raised, it was dealt with in the most professional manner by the group - not by Red Bull Racing but by Red Bull GmbH.

"They appointed an independent KC, who is one of the most reputable KCs in the land, he took time to investigate all of the facts fully, he interviewed all of the people involved together with others of interest.

"He looked at everything, he looked at all of the facts and he came to a conclusion where he dismissed the grievance."

On the support from his family, including wife Geri, who flew into Bahrain for Saturday's race, Horner added: "As far as I am concerned, as far as Red Bull is concerned, we move on and look to the future.

"My wife has been phenomenally supportive throughout this, as have my family but the intrusion on my family is now enough. We need to move forward and focus on what we are here for.

"I am sorry for these three gentlemen [fellow team principals Bruno Famin, Mike Krack and James Vowles, who sat alongside Horner in the press conference] who are not here talking about their cars and drivers.

"It is time now to focus on why we're here, which is to go F1 racing."

Horner takes aim at coverage

Criticising the ongoing coverage of the situation, Horner explained: "There has been an awful lot of coverage surrounding this but one has to go back to the basis of: a grievance was raised, it was fully investigated and dismissed.

"From there, we move onwards and I think an awful lot has been made out of this. It has been of great interest in different elements of the media for different reasons.

"I think the time now is to look forward and draw a line under it."