Horner Urges Caution Amid FIA Investigation

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has called for prudence in the ongoing investigation into allegations against FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is currently probing claims brought forward by a whistleblower regarding Ben Sulayem’s purported involvement in the handling of Fernando Alonso’s penalty during the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

According to the whistleblower, Ben Sulayem allegedly contacted Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa, the FIA’s vice-president for sport in the Middle East and North Africa region, to advocate for the overturning of Alonso’s penalty. The penalty, initially a five-second one for a grid infraction, was reportedly upgraded to a ten-second penalty.

Following the race, Aston Martin submitted new evidence, prompting the FIA to rescind Alonso’s penalty, thereby reinstating his third-place finish. This decision resulted in George Russell, who had briefly occupied the third position, swapping places with Alonso.

In light of his own recent experience with an investigation initiated by allegations from a Red Bull employee, Horner emphasized the importance of allowing Ben Sulayem’s case to unfold without prejudgment.

“I think the one thing that I’ve seen and learned certainly from any investigation is that don’t pre-empt the facts,” stated Horner during a media briefing, including RacingNews365. “There needs to be an investigation, and I’m sure the relevant parties, and again the process that they have within the statutes of the FIA will be followed.

“All I would urge is don’t prejudge. Wait for the facts. Wait to see what is the reality before coming to a judgment.”

The investigation into Ben Sulayem’s alleged involvement in Alonso’s penalty, as well as the additional claim concerning the Las Vegas Grand Prix track, will continue as the FIA adheres to its procedural protocols.