Sakhir (Bahrain): Toto Wolff, the manager of the Mercedes team, stated that a thorough and open investigation into
Red Bull CEO Christian Horner’s behavior created concerns for Formula One as a whole.
The claims against Horner, who denies any misconduct and is presently in Bahrain for pre-season testing, have
prompted Red Bull’s parent company in Austria to open an independent investigation.
The energy drink manufacturer and the current champions have not commented on the charges, but media reports
have mentioned inappropriate and domineering behavior toward a female employee.
The Formula One season begins in Bahrain on March 2, but there is no deadline for a decision.
In his initial reaction to the development, Wolff told reporters at the Sakhir circuit on Wednesday, “I think it’s clear.”
“These are the standards that we are setting for ourselves. Formula One and the teams stand for inclusion, equality,
fairness, and diversity, and that’s not only talking about it but living it day in and day out. We are one of the most
significant sports platforms worldwide, a global sport, and role models.
In light of the intense conjecture that has surrounded the case in recent weeks, Wolff stated that “a process with
rigour” is crucial.
Max Verstappen, the team’s top driver and triple champion, drives for Red Bull, the dominant team in Formula One.
Horner, 50, is the team manager with the longest tenure.
The British woman is also wed to Geri Halliwell, a former Spice Girls vocalist.
“I believe we should look into what Red Bull has started as an independent investigation, provided it is carried out
properly, transparently, and rigorously,” stated Wolff.
The Austrian stated that the subjects at hand were “an issue for every individual that works out there and for all of
Formula One in general.”
At the beginning of the Wednesday morning session, Horner was present at Red Bull’s testing when Max Verstappen
took the wheel of the team’s new vehicle. The Dutch driver’s quest for a fourth straight world championship has
begun.
Red Bull continued to have the fastest vehicle on the track during the opening session on Wednesday. Verstappen set
the early speed, clocking in 0.699 seconds quicker than Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Towards the end of the practice, he
also passed his opponent on the course.
With Alex Albon’s car stopping on the track due to a technical issue, Williams was the only team with blatant
reliability problems.
