Christian Horner insists unity within the Red Bull team has “never been stronger”.
Team principal Horner was yesterday cleared of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague following an independent investigation, allowing him to focus on the season’s first grand prix in Bahrain this weekend.
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The 50-year-old told Sky Sports News: “I’m pleased that the process is over [but] I can’t comment about it.
“We’re here very much to focus now on the grand prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles. The process has been conducted and concluded.”
Horner has enjoyed huge success with Red Bull, leading them to 13 world titles – six World Constructors’ Championships and seven World Drivers’ Championships – since taking up the principal role in 2005.
He was also the mastermind of Red Bull’s record-breaking 2023 season in which they won 21 of 22 races as Max Verstappen claimed his third world title.
There have been suggestions the investigation, which has dominated the Formula One agenda since coming to light on February 5, has damaged morale within the Red Bull camp, but Horner says that is not true.
He added: “I’m pleased to be here in Bahrain with the team focused on the season ahead.
“Within the team it [morale] has never been stronger.”
Christian Horner tells Sky Sports News he is “focused on the season ahead” and says unity within Red Bull team has “never been stronger”. PIC.TWITTER.COM/BJQMB8OPMJ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) FEBRUARY 29, 2024
Verstappen also said yesterday the issue had not affected his on-track performance.
The Dutchman, speaking before the verdict was announced, said: “It doesn’t. I’m very focused on just the performance of the car and myself.
“It’s a whole team effort that everyone has to stick together and work to more success, so that’s why it’s important to get everything resolved.”