Published February 28,2024
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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 crew member, a declare that initiated an unbiased investigation.
“It doesn’t affect me,” Verstappen mentioned 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 traditional within the build-up to the brand new season whereas the probe was accomplished.
It has been reported that the result is because of be made public on Thursday.
The 26-year-old Dutchman stored his responses transient to questions from reporters on the Bahrain International Circuit the place he gained final 12 months’s race for the primary time.
“It’s a whole team effort and everyone sticks together,” he mentioned.
“And we all work for success and that’s why it should be resolved very soon.”
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, essentially the most profitable driver at Sakhir with 5 wins, mentioned the investigation into Horner’s behaviour was ‘hanging over the game’ and that the result was vital for the long run.
“It’s a difficult one to answer,” mentioned Hamilton, who introduced earlier this month he’ll depart Mercedes and race for Ferrari in 2025.
“I believe we at all times should do extra to try to make the game, and the atmosphere that individuals work in, really feel protected and inclusive.
“Any allegation needs to be taken very critically.
“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 crew 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 mentioned.
The investigation was carried out by a British lawyer whose file was as a result of be submitted to the Red Bull guardian 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 mentioned of the RB20, a automobile which marks the crew’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 follow.
The race takes place late on Saturday beneath floodlights as a substitute of Sunday to accommodate Ramadan, which begins on March 10, within the early-season schedule.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
