Horner investigation is “an issue for all of F1”

Red Bull’s ongoing investigation into allegations regarding team principal Christian Horner is “an issue” for all in Formula 1, says his Mercedes rival Toto Wolff.

The Austrian owners of the Red Bull F1 team confirmed two weeks ago they were looking into allegations made against Horner. In the meantime he is continuing in his role as before and was present at today’s pre-season test at Bahrain International Circuit.

Last week Formula One Management urged Red Bull to clarify the situation regarding Horner at the earliest opportunity. Red Bull’s motorsport consultant subsequently defended the company’s handling of the investigation, saying it had to ensure a fair outcome was reached.

Asked about the investigation in today’s FIA press conference, Wolff said the investigation needs to be handled the correct way and its outcome has implications beyond Red Bull because of how it reflects on the sport.

“Formula 1 and what the teams do, we stand for inclusion, equality, fairness, diversity,” he said. “And that is not only talking about it but living it day-in and day-out. These are the standards we are setting ourselves. We are a global sport, one of the most important sports platforms in the world, and we are role models.

“But having said that, there is a lot of speculation happening over the last weeks, speculation that we have heard of, and lots of things that are going on. What’s important at that stage is for a process with rigour.

“I think what Red Bull has started, an independent investigation that is done in the right way with transparency and rigour, I think that’s something we need to look at – what the outcomes are and what it means for Formula 1 and how we can learn from that.

“We want to talk about racing cars and we want to talk about the sport rather than these kind of very critical topics that are more just a team’s issue. It’s a phenomenon, it’s an issue for all of Formula 1 and in general for every individual that works out there.”

Red Bull has not given any details of the allegations against Horner and has said it will not comment until its investigation is concluded.

This week the FIA also said it will not comment until Red Bull’s investigation has concluded.

“In relation to the independent investigation currently being undertaken by Red Bull GMbH, the FIA reiterates that until such time as the investigation has concluded and the outcome…