Schumacher calls for Christian Horner to quit Red Bull over 'immense damage' (original) (raw)

Christian Horner has dominated the Formula 1 news agenda despite Red Bull's domination after an investigation into alleged 'inappropriate behaviour' ahead of the season

Ralf Schumacher has called on Christian Horner to resign.

The former Formula 1 star believes the Red Bull chief should step down from his position as soon as possible to avoid 'immense damage' to the Milton Keynes-based team. Horner was subject to allegations of "inappropriate behaviour" but was cleared after an independent investigation last month.

The racing team have enjoyed back-to-back one-twos in the opening races of the season in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain amidst a controversial backdrop. Speculation over Red Bull's principal has continued after an email leaking alleged messages between Horner and a female member of staff were sent to senior F1 officials, the media and the FIA.

Events have seen scrutiny place on the 50-year-old's future but also seen three-times world champions Max Verstappen's next steps come into the spotlight. Schumacher believes the situation has left Horner's position untenable.

The ex-Jordan and Williams star believes the Red Bull boss must take his own advice after suggesting nobody is bigger than the team.

Schumacher told SPORT1.: "One thing is certain as long as this chaos remains, it will do immense damage to Red Bull. Horner said that no one is more important than the team. Therefore, he should follow this command and resign as soon as possible.

The grievance against Christian Horner was dismissed, but that call looks set to be appealed (

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"What I found and still think is a shame (is) the Christian Horner case outshines everything. This became particularly clear on the first weekend in Bahrain. It wasn’t until race day that there was a little talk about the sport.

"What also bothers me about the whole thing... an objective assessment is extremely difficult because there is a complete lack of transparency.

"Everything should be sorted out as quickly as possible. It wouldn’t hurt anyone if he left. It would be important for the Red Bull brand."

Schumacher has made the same claim as Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull's lead driver Max. He believes it was unacceptable when Horner "portrayed himself as a victim."

"(He should) resign as soon as possible,' he said. "It became problematic for me when he portrayed himself as a victim in the press conference in Saudi Arabia.

'"I’m sorry for his family, yes, but there was only one person who started this whole thing (which is) him. I think it can no longer be denied that he and his personal assistant must have become very close. I can’t accept that he keeps saying he doesn’t want to talk about it in detail.

"I can say from my own experience when it comes to my divorce, yes, it is difficult at the beginning when such a private matter is carried out in public. But there comes a time when we have to talk about it because in the end it’s what’s best for all parties.

"For example, you don’t hear anything from Horner’s employee and that’s not good. Nobody talks about her."

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