Christian Horner cleared of misconduct and stays as Pink Bull group principal

Pink Bull group principal Christian Horner has been cleared of misconduct following an investigation right into a group worker’s accusations of inappropriate behaviour.

The group’s dad or mum firm, Pink Bull GmbH, initiated the impartial probe in early February after Horner was accused of controlling and inappropriate behaviour by a member of Pink Bull’s F1 group.

In a press release issued Wednesday, Pink Bull stated: “The impartial investigation into the allegations made in opposition to Mr Horner is full, and Pink Bull can affirm that the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a proper of enchantment.

“Pink Bull is assured that the investigation has been honest, rigorous and neutral. The investigation report is confidential and comprises the non-public data of the events and third events who assisted within the investigation, and subsequently we won’t be commenting additional out of respect for all involved.

“Pink Bull will proceed striving to satisfy the best office requirements.”

Horner, 50, strongly denied the allegations when information of the investigation broke on Feb. 5. He has continued in his position all through the method, and can stay as Pink Bull group principal.

Stress was mounting on Pink Bull to resolve the scenario earlier than the opening spherical of the 2024 Method One season in Bahrain this weekend, with F1 itself calling for a decision on the “earliest alternative.”

Over the weekend, Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, wrote to Pink Bull’s dad or mum firm to state the American automobile big is “more and more annoyed” by the size of the investigation and the shortage of transparency. Ford is about to accomplice Pink Bull’s F1 engine division from 2026 onward.

Talking forward of the announcement, Pink Bull’s three-time world champion Max Verstappen stated he trusted the method when requested whether or not he absolutely supported Horner.

“Effectively I am trusting the method, that is what’s taking place proper now, that is the factor that I discussed with it,” he stated. “Once you discuss efficiency, it is in fact crucial that everybody sticks collectively.”

Horner has been answerable for the group since its inception in 2005. Below his steering, Pink Bull has gained six constructors’ championships and 7 drivers’ championships, three of which have come consecutively with Max Verstappen since 2021.

Pink Bull comes into the brand new season off the again of essentially the most dominant season in historical past, which noticed the group win 21 of the 22 races.

The Bahrain Grand Prix will get underway Saturday, March 2.