Ben Sulayem after conversation with Horner: 'Why all this negativity?'

Horner left his spot at the pit wall during the final free practice session to attend a meeting with FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem. What exactly the two discussed is unknown. Horner did return to his position at the pit wall later in free practice.

The Brit was accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a female Red Bull Racing employee. On Wednesday, the outcome of the investigation was announced, which showed that Max Verstappen's team boss was innocent. Then, on Thursday, a file was forwarded to Formula 1, the FIA, other team bosses and the media, which contained alleged WhatsApp conversations relating to the case.

Ben Sulayem responds to Horner's investigation

Meanwhile, the FIA president has responded to all the commotion surrounding Horner in recent weeks. He is not happy with all the fuss: "It’s damaging the sport . . . This is damaging on a human level".

Horner said: "I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully co-operated with it every step of the way. It was a thorough and fair investigation, conducted by an independent specialist barrister, and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season."

Ben Sulayem just wants to enjoy the start of 2024 F1 season

So after the investigation surrounding Horner was completed and he was declared innocent by the lawyer, the Whatsapp conversations were circulated through the Formula 1 paddock. Whether these are actually real is not known.

Ben Sulayem is not at all keen on the negativity surrounding the sport at the moment: "It is the beginning of the season. F1 is becoming so popular. We just need to enjoy the beginning of the season. Look at the competition. Why do we overshadow it with negativity?"