レッドブルＦ１代表、不適切行為疑惑は潔白　チームが調査終了

【ロンドンＡＦＰ＝時事】女性スタッフへの不適切行為疑惑が上がっていたフォーミュラワン（Ｆ１、Ｆ１世界選手権）、レッドブルのクリスチャン・ホーナー代表について、チームを保有するオーストリアのエナジードリンク企業レッドブルは２８日、独自調査の結果「訴えを退けた」と発表した。（写真は、Ｆ１、レッドブルのクリスチャン・ホーナー代表）
　ホーナー氏は今月、女性のチームメンバーもしくはスタッフから「不適切行為」の告発があったとオランダ紙テレグラフで報じられ、外部の弁護士による聞き取りを受けていた。本人は一貫して否定していた中で、今回、疑惑が晴れた。
　レッドブルは告発した人物には異議申し立ての権利があるとしつつ、「調査は公正、公平かつ厳密に行われたと自信を持っている」とした。
　ホーナー氏は２８日に英ロンドンから開幕戦が行われるバーレーンに移動しだが、会場でのメディアデーに姿はなかった。２９日に行われるフリー走行ではピットに入るとみられている。
　ホーナー氏は２００５年からレッドブルの代表を務め、これまでにドライバーズ選手権で７度、コンストラクターズ選手権では６度のタイトル獲得を果たしている。昨季もチームは２２戦中２１戦で優勝するなど圧倒的な強さを誇り、マックス・フェルスタッペンがドライバーズタイトル３連覇を達成した。【翻訳編集ＡＦＰＢＢＮｅｗｓ】
〔ＡＦＰ＝時事〕（2024/02/29-16:45）

Red Bull team chief Christian Horner was cleared Wednesday of wrongdoing following an investigation into complaints of inappropriate behaviour against him made by a female team member.
A statement from Austrian energy drinks brand Red Bull, the parent company of the world champion Formula One team, said the grievance has been dismissed.
Horner, who has been team principal since 2005, denied the allegations made against him and was subjected to a lengthy interview by an independent London lawyer acting as investigator, who submitted a report to Red Bull.
The lawyer's report was delivered on Tuesday and has been considered by Red Bull directors.
In a statement, Red Bull GmbH said: The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.
The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.
Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.
Horner flew to Bahrain from London on Wednesday, but was not present at the circuit for a media day ahead of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.
He is expected to be on the pit wall for the opening practice sessions on Thursday.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported the allegation of inappropriate behaviour by a female member of staff for the British-based team earlier this month.
- 'Issue for all F1' -
Asked about the accusations, Horner, 50, told De Telegraaf: I completely deny these claims.
Formula One chiefs had said they wanted the issue resolved at the earliest opportunity.
Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff described the investigation as an issue for all of Formula One and called for transparency.
Under Horner's guidance, Red Bull have become the dominant force in Formula One, with Max Verstappen winning the past three drivers' titles.
Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has been in charge of the team since they entered Formula One 19 years ago.
During that time he has overseen seven drivers' world championships and six constructors' titles.
Red Bull dominated the 2023 season, winning 21 of the 22 races as Verstappen defended his drivers' crown.
The Dutchman said earlier Wednesday that the Horner investigation doesn't affect me.
I'm very focused on the car and on myself.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had admitted the controversy had been hanging over the sport.
I think we always have to do more to try and make the sport, and the environment that people work in, feel safe and inclusive, he said.
Former F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone told AFP it's great the process was carried out in the right way and was not decided on the basis of one person's statement.
He was always very clear with me there was nothing to be concerned about. It's been tough as it has been hanging over him.