Horner's message: 'Wait for reality before passing judgement'
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An investigation has been launched into FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. A year ago, he allegedly interfered with a time penalty for Fernando Alonso in the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver was given a 10-second time penalty, but it was eventually reversed. Formula 1 team bosses give their views on the subject.
Horner on the investigation into Ben Sulayem and gives a recommendation
Not only did the FIA president allegedly interfere with the results, but he also tried to have the Las Vegas Grand Prix cancelled. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner explains what he thinks. "I think the one thing that I've seen and learned, certainly from any investigation, is that don't pre-empt the facts. There needs to be an investigation and I'm sure the relevant parties and, again, the process that they have within the statutes of the FIA will be followed. All I would urge is...don't pre-judge. Wait for the facts. Wait to see what is the reality before coming to a judgment."
The Williams team boss also urged not to judge too quickly. "It was something I found out when I read it, probably the same as everyone in this room, but what I'm pleased to see is there is a process in place to review it and I think we should be judged not by the moment we're in now, but in the future once we look back at that. I think for now, as far as I understand, it's in review, which is the right thing."
Krack and Famin on Ben Sulayem investigation
Because Alonso was a key player in one of Ben Sulayem's actions, Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack was also involved in that event. "12 months ago here, we were one of the involved parties. I think it can be re-read in the stewards' documents how the whole process was. We executed the right of review, we brought new evidence and the penalty was taken out. So, I think from that point of view, for us, the whole matter is clear and closed."
Alpine team boss Bruno Famin also took it all in and sees the job of protagonists in F1 to live up to the role model. "They (the FIA, ed.) have their own process and they will follow the process, but it's up to all of us, I think, to show the exemplarity to all and we really need that."