Published February 28,2024
Subscribe
Max Verstappen on Wednesday brushed apart options his bid for a fourth consecutive world title could also be affected by hypothesis round his Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
Horner’s future with the outfit was thrown into doubt after he was accused of alleged controlling and improper behaviour by a feminine Red Bull workforce member, a declare that initiated an unbiased investigation.
“It doesn’t affect me,” Verstappen stated earlier than this weekend’s season-opening Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain.
“I’m very focused on the car and on myself and, hopefully, it is resolved very soon,” he added.
Horner denied all of the claims and continued to work as common within the build-up to the brand new season whereas the probe was accomplished.
It has been reported that the end result is because of be made public on Thursday.
The 26-year-old Dutchman saved his responses transient to questions from reporters on the Bahrain International Circuit the place he gained final yr’s race for the primary time.
“It’s a whole team effort and everyone sticks together,” he stated.
“And we all work for success and that’s why it should be resolved very soon.”
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, probably the most profitable driver at Sakhir with 5 wins, stated the investigation into Horner’s behaviour was ‘hanging over the game’ and that the end result was vital for the longer term.
“It’s a difficult one to answer,” stated Hamilton, who introduced earlier this month he’ll go away Mercedes and race for Ferrari in 2025.
“I feel we all the time must do extra to try to make the game, and the surroundings that individuals work in, really feel secure and inclusive.
“Any allegation needs to be taken very severely.
“Obviously, we don’t know everything that’s going on, but it does need to be resolved as it is hanging over the sport.”
‘Role fashions’
Hamilton added it will be “interesting” to see how the Horner case may change Formula One in future.
“It’s a very important moment for the sport to make sure that we stand true to our values.”
His phrases echoed these of Mercedes workforce chief Toto Wolff.
“We are a global sport and one of the most important sport platforms in the world and we are role models,” Wolff stated.
The investigation was performed by a British lawyer whose file was attributable to be submitted to the Red Bull dad or mum firm in Austria on Tuesday.
Verstappen was unruffled by the dialogue about Horner and remained calm and focussed on his job.
“I feel very comfortable in the car,” he stated of the RB20, a automobile which marks the workforce’s twentieth birthday at a circuit this weekend which itself celebrates 20 years on the Formula One calendar.
“But solely time will inform how we do and if we’re profitable.
“We had some good testing days and I felt good in the car. It looks promising, but you never really know in advance where you stand.”
Horner, who’s married to former Spice Girl pop singer Geri Halliwell, was not anticipated to attend Wednesday’s media day in Bahrain, however to be on the circuit on Thursday for opening apply.
The race takes place late on Saturday beneath floodlights as an alternative of Sunday to accommodate Ramadan, which begins on March 10, within the early-season schedule.
Source: www.anews.com.tr