Horner has been on the centre of a probe by the Purple Bull vitality drinks firm over claims of inappropriate behaviour made towards him by a feminine worker.
Following an eight-week-long investigation by an impartial barrister, it was introduced on Wednesday evening that the complaints against him had been dismissed as there was no proof of any wrongdoing.
Nonetheless, issues took a twist over the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend when nameless emails had been despatched to senior F1 personnel, together with group bosses, the FIA and FOM chiefs, and media, revealing an alleged dossier of documents at the centre of the matter.
Components of these paperwork, the veracity of which has not been confirmed by Purple Bull, have subsequently leaked out and grabbed headlines around the globe.
There may be understood to be some concern inside each F1 administration and the FIA in regards to the international give attention to the Horner developments overshadowing the beginning of the grand prix season.
These worries have been heightened by the truth that the nameless leaks level to there being events targeted on embarrassing Horner to power him to step down – which is a marketing campaign that would final weeks.
Horner met with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and Ben Sulayem forward of qualifying in Bahrain on Friday, the place the trio are understood to have mentioned the state of affairs and what occurs subsequent.
Christian Horner, Workforce Principal, Purple Bull Racing, Mohammed bin Sulayem, President, FIA, discuss within the pit lane
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Whereas there was no remark from any of the events in regards to the final result of that get-together, one state of affairs that seems to have been dominated out is for the FIA to independently get entangled to higher perceive the state of affairs.
Talking to the Monetary Instances, Ben Sulayem felt that it will be incorrect of the FIA to “leap the gun” and act by itself, however clarified that it will “look into any criticism that comes by means of our compliance officer”.
Nonetheless, regardless of holding fireplace on getting a greater understanding of what has actually occurred behind the scenes at Purple Bull, Ben Sulayem is in little question that it isn’t a Positive factor for F1 proper now.
“It’s damaging the game,” he added. “That is damaging on a human degree.
“It’s the start of the season. F1 is turning into so well-liked. We simply must benefit from the starting of the season. Take a look at the competitors. Why can we overshadow it with negativity?”
Purple Bull has provided no transparency over the findings of its investigation into Horner, nor defined why it reached its conclusion that complaints towards him had been dismissed.
This has prompted suspicions that the drinks firm is making an attempt to brush issues underneath the carpet.
Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Rival group bosses have expressed their unease over how things have been handled, as they suppose it isn’t good for F1 that there’s not correct readability on the state of affairs.
Talking on the Bahrain GP, McLaren CEO Zak Brown stated: “I’ve learn this assertion. I feel, from what I’ve seen, there continues to be a whole lot of rumours, hypothesis, and questions.
“I feel the sanctioning physique has a accountability and authority to our sport, to our followers, and I feel to all of us in System 1… I feel they should make it possible for issues have been totally clear with them.”