FIA issues statement on Horner investigation

The FIA has broken its silence on the ongoing situation surrounding Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner after fresh claims emerged about an investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior.

In a statement released today, F1's governing body acknowledged it has procedures in place to handle complaints and inquiries through its Compliance Officer and Ethics Committee, while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.

Latest developments

The statement from the FIA comes after a BBC Sport report alleged that a woman at the center of the allegations against Horner has now lodged a formal complaint with the motorsport body's Ethics Committee.

This follows an initial grievance that was investigated and dismissed by Red Bull GmbH earlier this year after an independent barrister interviewed Horner.

However, shortly after Red Bull cleared its Team Principal, WhatsApp messages purporting to show communications between Horner and the woman were leaked to influential F1 figures like CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and media outlets.

The veracity of these messages is still being probed by both the FIA and Formula 1 itself.

FIA statement in full

"At the FIA, enquiries and complaints are received and managed by the Compliance Officer, and the Ethics Committee where appropriate," read a statement from F1's governing body.

"Both bodies operate autonomously, guaranteeing strict confidentiality throughout the process.

"As a consequence, and in general, we are unable to confirm the receipt of any specific complaint and it is unlikely that we will be able to provide further comment on the complaints that we may receive from any parties."

Horner's response

For his part, Horner has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insisted his focus remains on trackside matters.

However, tensions have been simmering at Red Bull Racing amidst an internal power struggle.

According to BBC, an unnamed whistleblower had previously attempted to alert the FIA about the Horner situation twice before - once in February and again after the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix in March.

Implications for F1

The latest allegations have thrust the Horner case back into the spotlight just as the Formula 1 season hits its stride.

With the FIA now acknowledging its investigative process, while upholding confidentiality, the matter appears far from settled.

How it ultimately unfolds could have significant implications not just for Red Bull's leadership but Formula 1's integrity and governance processes going forward.