Ben Sulayem and Christian Horner — Photo: © IMAGO

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FIA boss sends 'DAMAGING' warning over Horner allegations saga

The Red Bull boss has been the subject of an internal investigation

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Sunday 3 March 2024 02:57

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, has warned that the ongoing saga surrounding Christian Horner and Red Bull is 'damaging' to the sport as a whole.

Horner was cleared of wrongdoing by an internal investigation on Wednesday, after a female team employee accused him of 'inappropriate behaviour' toward her.

However, some of Horner's rival team bosses called for Formula 1 and the FIA to conduct an external investigation, with Toto Wolff claiming the initial process was 'vague' and 'opaque'.

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Horner vehemently denies the allegations, and has expressed his delight at the process being complete.

The saga turned its head once more on Thursday, however, as alleged WhatsApp 'messages' from the Red Bull man were anonymously sent to around 150 accounts, including F1 bosses.

Christian Horner has been the subject of an internal investigation at Red Bull

The 2024 season kicks off in Bahrain this weekend

Ben Sulayem speaks out on Horner verdict

“It’s damaging the sport...This is damaging on a human level,” Ben Sulayem said.

The FIA president added that it was vital to “protect our sport from all of this."

“It is the beginning of the season. F1 is becoming so popular,” he said. “We just need to enjoy the beginning of the season. Look at the competition. Why do we overshadow it with negativity?”

A meeting between Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Christian Horner took place at the Bahrain Grand Prix

On the supposed messages, Horner released a statement talking about what he called 'anonymous speculation'.

"I won't comment on anonymous speculation," he said. "But, to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations. I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully co-operated with it every step of the way.

"It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season."

Red Bull Formula 1 Christian Horner FIA Toto Wolff Mohammed Ben Sulayem