FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the governing physique is taking a palms off strategy – for now – to the controversy surrounding Pink Bull group boss Christian Horner, however admits the case is “damaging the game”.
The FIA and System 1 finds themselves embroiled in a posh scenario involving Horner. Regardless of a current unbiased investigation clearing the Briton of inappropriate habits allegations, the controversy continues to generate headlines, damaging the game’s picture.
Following accusations from a feminine worker of Pink Bull Racing, mum or dad firm Pink Bull GmbH launched an inner investigation led by an unbiased barrister. After eight weeks, the investigation discovered inadequate proof to assist the claims and dismissed the grievance.
Nevertheless, the scenario took an surprising 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 shops.
These leaked paperwork, although unverified, have generated important media consideration, and sparked important considerations for each F1 and the FIA in regards to the adverse influence 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 scenario and potential subsequent steps have been mentioned.
Whereas acknowledging the “damaging” nature of the scenario, Ben Sulayem emphasised that the FIA won’t “bounce the gun” or proactively examine primarily based on unverified leaks.
Nevertheless, he clarified that the FIA stays open to investigating any formal “grievance that comes by way of our compliance officer”.
“It’s damaging the game,” the FIA chief informed the Monetary Instances. “That is damaging on a human stage.”
“It’s the start of the season. F1 is changing into so widespread. We simply have to benefit from the starting of the season. Have a look at the competitors. Why can we overshadow it with negativity?”
Pink Bull supplied no transparency concerning the end 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 trying to suppress the difficulty.
The one certainty at this stage is that somebody, someplace is determined to see Christian Horner booted out of System 1.
Maintain updated with all of the F1 information by way of Fb and Twitter
