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Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has been at the center of a recent scandal involving a leaked WhatsApp message on Google Drive. The message, which was allegedly sent by Horner, has caused quite a stir in the F1 community.
The leaked message was reportedly accessed through Google Drive, which has raised questions about data security and privacy. Google Drive is a cloud storage service that allows users to store and share files online.
The scandal has sparked a heated debate about the ethics of data sharing and the consequences of leaking sensitive information.
A fresh viewpoint: Google Drive Christian Horner
Christian Horner's Response
Christian Horner has responded to the leaked WhatsApp messages with a firm statement.
He has been cleared of "inappropriate behaviour" after a three-week internal probe conducted by an external lawyer.
Horner remains fully focused on the start of the season.
He met with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali on Friday at the Bahrain circuit.
Horner, 50, stated that the investigation was thorough and fair, and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made.
Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing, has declined to comment on the matter, citing it as a private issue between Horner and another individual.
Horner could yet face repercussions from the FIA, as Article 12.2 of the F1 regulations states that a competitor can be found in breach of the code for "any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss" to the FIA or its members.
Horner has denied the allegations made against him, and his team, Red Bull, has also maintained that the team remains unified.
Horner stated that the team has never been stronger within, despite reports of a potential power struggle.
He has also stressed that he is fully focused on the start of the season and the Grand Prix ahead.
Explore further: Google Drive for Team
Horner Saga
Christian Horner, the Red Bull F1 team principal, has been at the center of a controversy after WhatsApp messages allegedly sent to a female colleague were leaked.
The messages, which include some of a sexually suggestive nature, were leaked to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, and other team principals.
A thorough and fair investigation was conducted by an independent specialist barrister, which concluded that Horner was cleared of "inappropriate behavior".
However, just 24 hours after the investigation's conclusion, a Google Drive containing the leaked WhatsApp messages and photos was emailed to hundreds of journalists.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has stated that he won't comment on anonymous speculation, but reiterated that he has always denied the allegations.
The investigation was conducted by an external lawyer, and Horner fully cooperated with it.
The leaked Google Drive contains 79 separate documents, but the authenticity of the content has not been verified.
Horner's statement drew a firm line under the matter, according to Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle.
Fellow team principals Toto Wolff and Zak Brown have called for F1 and the FIA to review the investigation conducted by Red Bull.
The timing of the anonymous email is intriguing, suggesting there are individuals who still wish to discredit F1's longest-serving team principal.
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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has stated that his team are fully focused on defending their world championship crowns.
The investigation's conclusion has been met with criticism from some, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff describing the statement from Red Bull as "basic" and "vague".
Horner has insisted that within the team, it has never been stronger.
The controversy has overshadowed the first race of the 2024 season, with the FIA and F1's governing body yet to decide how to handle the matter.
Sources
- https://www.the-independent.com/f1/christian-horner-messages-leaked-allegations-red-bull-b2505190.html
- https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1014331/f1-christian-horner-messages-red-bull-leaked-journalist-email/
- https://www.total-motorsport.com/christian-horner-responds-email-leak-whatsapp-messages/
- https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1044826/1/christian-horner-responds-alleged-leak-whatsapp-messages
- https://www.gpfans.com/us/f1-news/1014332/f1-christian-horner-red-bull-messages-leaked-journalist-email/
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