Lewis Hamilton says the investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Christian Horner is “a really important moment” for F1.
The end result of Red Bull’s inner investigation into staff principal Horner is anticipated imminently on the eve of the brand new season in Bahrain.
Allegations of inappropriate and controlling behaviour in the direction of a feminine colleague had been made against Horner.
The 50-year-old has all the time denied the allegations.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton stated: “It does have to be resolved because it’s hanging over the game.
“It will likely be really fascinating to see the way it’s handled and the impact it could effectively have on the game.”
Red Bull’s investigation has been dealt with by an exterior lawyer who has compiled a report back to be analysed by the corporate’s board.
Horner was interviewed three weeks in the past. He has since appeared in public in information conferences on the Red Bull automobile launch and pre-season testing.
In an interview with the BBC on 15 February, Horner once more denied the allegations and stated they had been “a distraction” for his staff.
Mercedes driver Hamilton, talking in a information convention earlier than the opening race of the season in Bahrain on Saturday, added: “It is a really important moment for the game to verify we stand true to our values.
“We all the time should do extra to attempt to make the game and the surroundings individuals work in really feel protected and inclusive. Any allegations should be taken very critically.”
Red Bull’s three-time world champion Max Verstappen was requested whether or not he was 100% behind Horner.
The Dutchman replied: “I’m trusting the method that’s taking place proper now. Besides that, whenever you speak about efficiency, it’s important everybody stays collectively.”
Asked what he knew concerning the course of and once more whether or not he nonetheless had full confidence in Horner, Verstappen stated: “I don’t need to get into that. It shouldn’t be my case and I do not need to be concerned.
“We should belief the endurance and belief the method. There is not any level screaming about it.”
Other drivers alongside Hamilton within the official information convention – Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris and Alex Albon – declined to handle the subject.
McLaren Racing chief government officer Zak Brown outdated BBC 5 dwell Breakfast on Wednesday: “It’s very unsettling. It’s very regarding. The allegations are extraordinarily critical.
“All the women and men at McLaren are held to the best requirements of ethical. There’s values which might be at our coronary heart, and everybody in F1 themselves.
“As [commercial rights holder] Formula 1 and [governing body] the FIA have rightfully stated, they need to see this investigation come to a swift and really clear conclusion, the place at any time when that conclusion is, the suitable actions are taken.”
Hamilton’s Mercedes staff principal Toto Wolff stated final week that the Horner investigation was “an issue for all of F1”, including: “If it’s achieved in the suitable means with transparency and rigour, we have to have a look at the outcomes and what it means for F1 and the way we are able to be taught from that.
“We need to speak about sport moderately than these sort of very, very important subjects.”
Brown identified that US automobile large Ford, which is able to companion with Red Bull in F1 on an engine venture from 2026, had expressed its displeasure on the means Red Bull was dealing with the method.
“Ford has just lately stated they’re very pissed off with the tempo,” Brown stated. “It does look like issues needs to be coming to an finish right here rapidly as a result of we really have to be speaking about F1, as we go into the beginning of the 12 months.”
Brown was referring to a letter Ford CEO Jim Farley had despatched to Red Bull which was leaked to the Associated Press information company.
Farley wrote that Ford was “more and more pissed off by the dearth of decision or clear indication from you about whenever you anticipate a good and simply decision of this matter”.
“We are likewise pissed off by the dearth of full transparency surrounding this matter with us, your company companions, and look ahead to receiving a whole account of all findings,” he added.
