Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel is asking for ‘more transparency’ regarding the Christian Horner scandal at Red Bull.
Red Bull team principial Horner was cleared of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ towards a female employee in February after an internal probe but the saga is not over.
Horner, who has always denied any wrongdoing, is married to Geri Halliwell and it was reported in March that the former Spice Girl was considering a divorce.
Meanwhile, it has recently emerged that the woman who accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour has appealed the outcome of Red Bull’s internal probe.
She is said to be ‘very upset, angry, scared, intimidated and lonely’ and it’s thought that details of the Horner scandal may become public if her appeal fails.
With the scandal continuing to overshadow the 2024 F1 season ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, former Red Bull driver Vettel wants to see ‘transparency’.
‘Obviously there’s been a lot of talk since the beginning of the year,’ the German told Sky News.
‘I think with these things, it’s always difficult to know everything and it would be nice if there was simply more transparency so that you really could have more of an opinion.
‘I think it’s always difficult if you read one thing, then another thing and then the opposite. I think now things are going round in circles.
‘The shame is that obviously Max [Verstappen] is doing a great job. The team – [including] a lot of individuals I remember from my time there, are doing a great job in the background and that’s sort of forgotten when the subject hovers around something else.’
Vettel, who also previously raced for Ferrari and Aston Martin before retiring in 2022, was questioned about the treatment of women in the sport and added: ‘F1 is changing, but it’s an old fashioned business in many ways.
‘So first of all, there weren’t many [women working in F1 during his time] but, you know, the numbers were going up.
‘So when I started and when I left, there were a lot more women in the paddock and a lot more women not just following the sport, but also working in the sport.
‘I think that’s a positive change but really, like everywhere else, there’s still room for improvement.’
Meanwhile, Vettel has not ruled out making a U-turn over his retirement and admits he has spoken to Mercedes boss Toto Woff, with Lewis Hamilton heading to Ferrari for 2024.
‘Obviously [making a comeback] does cross my mind,’ Vettel said. ‘I do think about it but it’s not the main thought.
‘I have three kids at home, it’s busy every day. So there’s a lot of other thoughts that I have.
‘I’m speaking to Toto. I don’t know if it qualifies as Mercedes, but about other things, ideas that I have, events I’m planning going forward.
‘I spoke to many other team leaders too – and it’s not just about racing.’
