A folder allegedly containing leaked messages and photographs from Christian Horner was leaked to journalists on Thursday. This improvement got here after the Purple Bull staff principal was cleared of misconduct allegations on Wednesday on the conclusion of an inner investigation.
Following the primary two free observe classes forward of the Bahrain Grand Prix, journalists within the paddock have been despatched a Google Drive folder containing what the sender claimed have been WhatsApp messages and photographs from Horner, despatched to an unnamed worker, which have been seen by Categorical Sport. Purple Bull have been contacted for remark relating to the matter.
The investigation into the allegations going through Horner turned public data firstly of February following a report from De Telegraaf. Purple Bull then confirmed that an inner probe was ongoing with the assistance of an impartial barrister and {that a} determination could be made when the method had been accomplished.
Purple Bull bosses made the choice to not droop Horner whereas the investigation was ongoing, and their staff principal was current on the RB20 automotive launch occasion in addition to within the storage for pre-season testing on the Sakhir Worldwide Circuit.
The choice got here on Wednesday forward of media duties for the Bahrain Grand Prix with Horner cleared to proceed in his position on the conclusion of the investigation.
Purple Bull then launched an announcement, studying: “The impartial investigation into the allegations made towards Mr Horner is full, and Purple Bull can verify that the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a proper of attraction. Purple Bull is assured that the investigation has been truthful, rigorous and neutral.
“The investigation report is confidential and accommodates the personal data of the events and third events who assisted within the investigation, and due to this fact we is not going to be commenting additional out of respect for all involved. Purple Bull will proceed striving to satisfy the best office requirements.”
This meant that Horner was current on the pit wall for the primary two free observe classes in Bahrain on Thursday, though the shortage of transparency from Purple Bull relating to the method of the investigation did appeal to some criticism from fellow members of the paddock, together with Toto Wolff and Zak Brown.
Horner supplied little perception when requested in regards to the state of affairs by Sky Sports activities F1, stating: “I am simply happy that the method is over. I clearly cannot remark about it, however right here, the main target may be very a lot now on the Grand Prix and the season forward and attempting to defend each of our titles. I can not provide you with any additional remark, however the course of has been performed and concluded.”
