FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the governing physique is taking a palms off method – for now – to the controversy surrounding Pink Bull workforce boss Christian Horner, however admits the case is “damaging the game”.
The FIA and Formulation 1 finds themselves embroiled in a posh state of affairs involving Horner. Regardless of a current impartial investigation clearing the Briton of inappropriate conduct allegations, the controversy continues to generate headlines, damaging the game’s picture.
Following accusations from a feminine worker of Pink Bull Racing, guardian firm Pink Bull GmbH launched an inner investigation led by an impartial barrister. After eight weeks, the investigation discovered inadequate proof to assist the claims and dismissed the criticism.
Nevertheless, the state of affairs took an sudden flip throughout the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. Nameless emails containing an alleged “file” associated to the case have been despatched to key figures in F1, together with the FIA, FOM, and media retailers.
These leaked paperwork, although unverified, have generated important media consideration, and sparked important considerations for each F1 and the FIA in regards to the damaging impression the controversy is having on the game, particularly because it overshadows the beginning of the season.
Previous to Bahrain’s qualifying session, Horner met with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Whereas the assembly’s particulars stay undisclosed, it is understood that the continuing state of affairs and potential subsequent steps have been mentioned.
Whereas acknowledging the “damaging” nature of the state of affairs, Ben Sulayem emphasised that the FIA won’t “soar the gun” or proactively examine primarily based on unverified leaks.
Nevertheless, he clarified that the FIA stays open to investigating any formal “criticism that comes via our compliance officer”.
“It’s damaging the game,” the FIA chief advised the Monetary Instances. “That is damaging on a human stage.”
“It’s the start of the season. F1 is changing into so common. We simply must benefit from the starting of the season. Have a look at the competitors. Why will we overshadow it with negativity?”
Pink Bull supplied no transparency concerning the result of its inquiry into Horner, leaving its rationale behind the Briton’s exoneration unexplained.
It’s additionally unclear whether or not the paperwork leaked on Thursday have been a part of the proof reviewed by Pink Bull. In the event that they have been, the power drink firm will certainly be accused of making an attempt to suppress the problem.
The one certainty at this stage is that somebody, someplace is determined to see Christian Horner booted out of Formulation 1.
Hold updated with all of the F1 information through Fb and Twitter
