"I don't believe these are the type of headlines that Formula 1 wants": Zak Brown reacts to Christian Horner's ongoing investigation at Red Bull

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes that the Red Bull investigation on Christian Horner needs to conclude swiftly, as it is not a positive news cycle for the sport.

Speaking in a press conference at the preseason test in Bahrain, the Woking team's chief told the media, including Sportskeeda, that the investigation needed to be fair and transparent for the sake of the integrity of the sport.

Brown was asked to reflect on what he thought the allegations against his Red Bull counterpart said about the values of gender equality in the sport. He was also questioned whether the investigation was taking too long, with Horner still in his role.

The McLaren CEO replied:

“Well the allegations are extremely serious. McLaren holds themselves and all the men and women of McLaren at higher standards. Obviously with diversity, equality and inclusion are equally important to us, our partners to everyone in Formula 1. Red Bull corporation, it appears has launched an investigation and all we hope and assume is that will be handled in a very transparent way."

He added:

"As FIA and Formula 1 have said, it needs to be handled swiftly as I dont believe these are the type of headlines that Formula 1 wants or needs at this time. I just think its important that its handled in a transparent way, in which theres no doubt, no doubt whatsoever that it’s been handled appropriately. And whatever the conclusion is that the conclusion is handled in an appropriate, transparent manner.”

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Christian Horner refrained from commenting on the Red Bull investigation or its timeline

With a lack of clarity on the Red Bull investigation into Christian Horner, the subject has continued to dominate headlines in Formula 1. The Briton was recently bombarded with questions relating to whether it was business as usual at his team with an ongoing investigation or whether there was a particular date set for the conclusion of it.

Answering all the questions related to the matter similarly, the 50-year-old team CEO claimed he did not have the liberty to comment on the matter. When asked if it was business as usual at the team despite the accusations and how the investigation could be taken seriously with him still in his role, the Red Bull team principal said:

“As you are well aware there’s a process going which I form part of and as I form part of that process, I’m afraid I cannot comment on it.”

Asked if there was a timeline by which there would be a conclusion to the investigation, he replied:

“Look I’m truthfully sorry. But I really can’t comment on the process or the timescale. I think obviously everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible. But I am really not at liberty to comment about the process.”

Embroiled in the media storm surrounding the investigation, the Red Bull Racing CEO has continued to carry out his paddock routine while serving his role at the team.

While there has been a lot of speculation about the subject in the public domain, neither the team nor the energy drinks company has confirmed any details of the allegations or specified any timeline.

The only certain statement from Horner in the public domain was when he denied all the allegations while speaking to the media at the launch of the Red Bull car in February.