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Toto Wolff says Formula One must ‘set the compass right’ as he stokes fires over Christian Horner scandal… as Mercedes boss demands the matter is taken out of Red Bull’s hands

  • Red Bull boss Horner remained defiant during Saturday’s Bahrain Grand Prix 
  • But Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has stoked controversy over leaked texts 
  • Wolff questioned Red Bull’s handling of the matter and called on FIA to act 

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has stoked the controversy surrounding Christian Horner‘s future by urging Formula One’s governing body to ‘set the compass right’.

Horner was exonerated last week in an internal Red Bull report after allegations of ‘coercive behaviour’ towards a woman colleague.

But pictures emerged in an anonymous email sent to 149 figures in the sport revealing what appeared to be sexually suggestive WhatsApp messages to the complainant. 

Among the recipients were FIA president Mohammad ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali.

Now Wolff is calling on both of them to act.

Christian Horner initially reported to the Formula One paddock in Bahrain on his own

Christian Horner initially reported to the Formula One paddock in Bahrain on his own

But he was later joined by his wife Geri in a public display of unity despite his texting scandal

But he was later joined by his wife Geri in a public display of unity despite his texting scandal

Mercedes' Toto Wolff has stirred the pot since the scandal broke and called for transparency

Mercedes’ Toto Wolff has stirred the pot since the scandal broke and called for transparency

Speaking after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Wolff said: ‘Let’s see where it goes in the next few days. I would very much hope that the governing body and the commercial rights’ holder set the compass right.

‘But the moment I continue to question how this has been handled, I am probably not doing any good to the whole issue, because then it could be seen as this just being about a power fight within F1.

‘That’s why it should not be in the team’s (Red Bull’s) hands. It’s a much bigger topic than that and I don’t want to diminish the whole situation by making it seem like the Mercedes guy is talking about the Red Bull guys.’

Ben Sulayem told the Financial Times that the turmoil is ‘damaging the sport on a human level’. Domenicali, meanwhile, has not reacted to the matter directly at all, and kept a low profile in Bahrain.

Both leaders met with Horner on Friday before qualifying.

Horner kissed his wife in full view of the assembled cameras before leaving for the grid

Horner kissed his wife in full view of the assembled cameras before leaving for the grid

Red Bull's Max Verstappen claimed his 55th Grand Prix victory to start the season positively

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed his 55th Grand Prix victory to start the season positively 

Horner celebrates with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team after their win in Bahrain

Horner celebrates with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team after their win in Bahrain

Mail Sport understands that neither Ben Sulayem nor Domenicali wishes to intervene in the matter for now.

Horner, the husband of former Spice Girl, Geri, has vowed to carry on, insisting he will not only be in Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday but in charge for all the remaining 23 rounds of the season.

‘My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and going racing,’ he said. ‘I have the support of an incredible family, an incredible wife and an incredible team.’

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