[ad_1]
The sport’s governing body did not comment on the details of the matter, but made clear that it is committed to the “highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusion within sport.”
The statement comes two weeks after news of an internal investigation was first made public through the media.
Initial stories revealed that Horner was the subject of an investigation by Austrian parent company Red Bull GMbH following unspecified allegations of misconduct by a female employee, with the team principal denying any wrongdoing.
The investigation centered on an interview conducted on behalf of Red Bull by an independent lawyer on February 9. Horner subsequently appeared at the launch of the new RB20 in Milton Keynes on 15 February.
The day after the release, fresh media speculation about the nature of the allegations shed new light on the matter, subsequently triggering responses from the sport’s two main stakeholders.
In a statement given to Motorsport.com on Monday, the FIA said: “In relation to the independent investigation currently being carried out by Red Bull GMbH, the FIA reiterates that until the investigation has been concluded and the outcome is known, we will continue. I will make more comments.
“The FIA remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusion within the sport.”
The FIA’s position is also enshrined in article 12.2.1f of the International Sports Code, which cites as a possible infringement “any word, deed or writing that has caused damage or moral loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its officials.” executives”. , and more generally about the interest of motor sport and about the values defended by the FIA”.
Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem speak in the pit lane
Photo by: Mark Sutton / motor sports images
As previously reported on Sunday night, F1 issued its first comment on the matter, suggesting it wants to see an early resolution.
“We have noted that Red Bull has launched an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing,” he said in a statement.
“We hope that the matter will be clarified as soon as possible, after a fair and thorough process, and will not be commenting further at this time.”
F1’s statement, in turn, followed earlier comments from Ford, the company that is working with Red Bull Powertrains to create a new engine for the Red Bull and RB teams in 2026.
In what was the first comment from a Red Bull partner on the matter, Ford Performance Motorsport global boss Mark Rushbrook said the manufacturer was monitoring the situation.
“As a family-owned business held to very high standards of conduct and integrity, we expect the same from our partners,” Rushbrook told the AP.
“It seems to us, and what we have been told, that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And, of course, they are also concerned about their brand.”
“And that’s why they have an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on anything.”