"Talked to Jos"

Horner: “Time to draw a line under the matter”

Christian Horner wants to "draw a line under the debate"

(Bild: APA/AFP/ANDREJ ISAKOVIC)

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner spoke at a press conference during the race weekend in Saudi Arabia. The focus was on the accusations against him, the impact on the racing team and the family, as well as the relationship with Max and Jos Verstappen.

Four team bosses attended the press conference. In the end, it turned into the expected one-man show. The questions for Bruno Famin (Alpine), Mike Krack (Aston Martin) and James Vowles (Williams) were quickly dealt with and the focus was entirely on the fourth team principal: Christian Horner.

There was no shortage of questions for the Brit. The focus was naturally on the investigations against him and the related events of the past few days. Horner stuck to his line and tried to nip the questions in the bud.

Suspension, tensions and the family
One of those present wanted to know from the 50-year-old whether it was true that the employee who accused him of "transgressive behavior" had been suspended from Red Bull Racing. "That's an internal team matter that I can't comment on," said the team boss dryly.

It was just the start of the Q&A session. The next aspect to be shed light on is the alleged internal tensions at Red Bull. "There were talks after the race in Bahrain. Our focus is on the future," was Horner's evasive response. He did not want to say anything about the content of the talks, saying it was a private matter.

The investigations against him had of course stirred up a lot of dust and it had not been an easy time for his family, himself and the racing team. However, the independent investigations have now been completed and the result is that the allegations are not justified. "It's time to draw a line under the whole thing," emphasizes Horner.

The relationship with the Verstappen family
The Briton repeated like a mantra that he and the team want to concentrate fully on the race and the future. He said he was glad that his family had supported him at all times: "It was a difficult time for my wife and children. I am lucky to have such a great family," said the 50-year-old. 

Jos Verstappen (left) and Christian Horner spoke to each other after the race in Bahrain.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

When asked about the relationship with Jos and Max Verstappen, Horner noted that both sides want to get the best out of Max and Max wants to achieve the best for the team. "I spoke to Jos after the Grand Prix," revealed Horner, explaining that he had congratulated him on Max's victory. The team boss is also certain that Max Verstappen will fulfill his contract.