F1 News: FIA President Addresses Alleged Horner Evidence After Meeting - "Damaging The Sport"

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem speaks out on the ongoing Christian Horner controversy.

FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has spoken out about the controversy surrounding Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner, stating it is detrimental to Formula One. However, Ben Sulayem confirms that the FIA is unable to carry out its own investigation. Following a private meeting with Horner, Ben Sulayem expressed his concerns over the alleged misconduct by the Red Bull team principal.

Key Takeaways:

• FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Christian Horner, terming it harmful to Formula One.
• Despite the uproar, the FIA has not initiated its own investigation due to the absence of a formal complaint.
• Red Bull Racing has cleared Horner of any wrongdoing after an independent inquiry, amidst circulating claims supported by leaked messages.

The world of Formula One is currently embroiled in a controversy that threatens to overshadow the seasons start. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), voiced his concerns following allegations against Red Bull Racing team chief Christian Horner. 

A female member of the Red Bull Racing team accused Horner of misconduct, which Horner has strongly denied from the beginning. However, after Red Bull GmbH closed the investigation and cleared Horner, alleged evidence was leaked to the media, team principals, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and Sulayem.

Ben Sulayem, after a discussion with Horner, highlighted the negative impact of these allegations on the sport's integrity and its human aspects. He remarked:

"It's damaging the sport... This is damaging on a human level," in a statement to the

Financial Times

. 

“It is the beginning of the season. F1 is becoming so popular.

“We just need to enjoy the beginning of the season. Look at the competition. Why do we overshadow it with negativity?”

However, the FIA President also noted that the governing body is currently not moving forward with its own investigation, citing the lack of a formal complaint as the reason.

In response to the leaked messages, Horner maintained his stance, refusing to comment on what he termed as "anonymous speculation". He reiterated his denial of the allegations and expressed his respect for the independent investigation's integrity, which he cooperated with fully. 

The meeting between Ben Sulayem and Horner in Bahrain underscores the gravity of the situation. While specifics of their discussion remain private, the FIA President praised the thoroughness of the investigation conducted by Red Bull's appointed barrister. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding the sport from such controversies, especially at the onset of a highly anticipated season.

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