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Laurence Edmondson, F1 Editor
Purple Bull workforce principal Christian Horner has been cleared of misconduct following an investigation right into a workforce worker’s accusations of inappropriate behaviour.
The workforce’s mother or father firm, Purple Bull GmbH, initiated the unbiased probe in early February after Horner was accused of controlling and inappropriate behaviour by a member of Purple Bull’s F1 workforce.
In a press release issued Wednesday, Purple Bull stated: “The unbiased investigation into the allegations made in opposition to Mr Horner is full, and Purple Bull can verify that the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a proper of enchantment.
“Purple Bull is assured that the investigation has been honest, rigorous and neutral. The investigation report is confidential and incorporates the non-public data of the events and third events who assisted within the investigation, and due to this fact we won’t be commenting additional out of respect for all involved.
“Purple Bull will proceed striving to fulfill the best office requirements.”
Horner, 50, strongly denied the allegations when information of the investigation broke on Feb. 5. He has continued in his function all through the method, and can stay as Purple Bull workforce principal.
Stress was mounting on Purple Bull to resolve the scenario earlier than the opening spherical of the 2024 Components One season in Bahrain this weekend, with F1 itself calling for a decision on the “earliest alternative.”
Over the weekend, Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, wrote to Purple Bull’s mother or father firm to state the American automotive large is “more and more pissed off” by the size of the investigation and the dearth of transparency. Ford is about to companion Purple Bull’s F1 engine division from 2026 onward.
Talking forward of the announcement, Purple Bull’s three-time world champion Max Verstappen stated he trusted the method when requested whether or not he totally supported Horner.
“Properly I am trusting the method, that is what’s taking place proper now, that is the factor that I discussed with it,” he stated. “While you speak about efficiency, it is in fact essential that everybody sticks collectively.”
Horner has been in control of the workforce since its inception in 2005. Below his steering, Purple Bull has received six constructors’ championships and 7 drivers’ championships, three of which have come consecutively with Max Verstappen since 2021.
Purple Bull comes into the brand new season off the again of probably the most dominant season in historical past, which noticed the workforce win 21 of the 22 races.
The Bahrain Grand Prix will get underway Saturday, March 2.