Sebastian Vettel has called for greater transparency within Formula One amid Christian Horner’s ‘sex texting’ scandal at his former team, Red Bull.
The reigning world champions were embroiled in a scandal during the opening weeks of the season, with team manager Horner accused of “coercive behaviour” towards a female colleague.
He was cleared by an internal Red Bull investigation in February before several messages allegedly between Horner and his accuser were leaked to senior F1 figures and journalists via anonymous emails.
The cache contained 79 documents, including hundreds of messages, many of them sexual in nature. Horner, the husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has denied all allegations.
The plaintiff, who was suspended by Red Bull, feels “very upset, angry, scared, intimidated and alone” amid the ongoing saga, according to a “friend.”
The ‘sex texts’ scandal surrounding Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, pictured with his wife Geri at the Bahrain Grand Prix, has dominated the start of the Formula One season.
Former Red Bull world champion driver Sebastian Vettel has called for “more transparency” around the Horner scandal
Vettel, 36, who won four consecutive championships with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, said the Horner scandal was unfairly overshadowing the team’s work.
“There’s obviously been a lot of talk since the beginning of the year,” he said. News from heaven.
“I think with these things it’s always difficult to know everything and it would be nice if there was just more transparency so we could have a better opinion.”
‘I think it’s always difficult if you read one thing, then another, and then the opposite. I think things are going in circles now.
“The shame is that obviously Max (Verstappen) is doing a great job. The team, (including) many individuals I remember from my time there, are doing a great job in the background and that is forgotten when the topic turns to around something else.’
Asked about the treatment of women in Formula One, Vettel, who will retire from the sport in 2022, said: “F1 is changing, but it is an old-fashioned business in many ways.”
“First of all, there weren’t many (women working in F1 during her time), but, you know, the numbers were increasing.
‘So when I started and when I left, there were a lot more women in the paddock and a lot more women not only following the sport, but also working in it.
“I think it’s a positive change, but really, like everywhere, there is still room for improvement.”
Christian Horner’s accuser feels ‘sad, scared, intimidated and alone’ after her complaint against the Red Bull boss was dismissed
The saga has thrown Red Bull into crisis, with fears that Max Verstappen could retire if adviser Helmut Marko (R) was suspended over allegations he had leaked information.
Vettel, who won four consecutive world titles between 2010 and 2013, is not completely ruling out a return to the sport.
Vettel admitted he has not totally ruled out a return to Formula One, saying: “It’s obviously crossed my mind.” I think about it but it’s not the main thought.
‘I have three children at home, it is busy every day. So I have a lot of other thoughts.”
Asked if he had spoken to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff about replacing Lewis Hamilton when he leaves for Ferrari, Vettel replied: “I’m talking to Toto.” I don’t know if he qualifies as a Mercedes, but I do know about other things, ideas I have, events I’m planning from now on.
“I also spoke to a lot of other team managers, and it’s not just about racing.”