The F1 season-opener at Sakhir has been overshadowed by the ongoing developments surrounding allegations made against Horner by a female employee of Red Bull Racing.
Following an eight-week-long investigation, a report compiled by an independent barrister on behalf of the Red Bull energy drinks company dismissed the claims made against its F1 team principal on Wednesday evening.
However, matters took a twist just 24 hours later when anonymous emails sent to senior personnel with F1 – including team bosses and media – revealed alleged evidence that had been part of the Horner investigation.
There has been no indication from Red Bull about the veracity of the dossier that was sent out, and it is not impossible that some of the files may have been fabricated as part of an effort to discredit Horner.
As the situation surrounding the complaints remains a confidential matter, neither the team nor Horner himself have been able to make any comment regarding any aspect of the evidence.
But while the Horner situation has so far been an internal matter for Red Bull, the way that the controversy has grabbed attention away from track action has prompted some questions about whether the FIA and FOM need to intervene.
While FOM does not have direct regulatory authority over competitors, its interests are in ensuring that the world championship's image is not tarnished by the events which are grabbing headlines around the world.
The FIA too has an interest in ensuring that the matter does not bring F1 into disrepute.
Source: Autosport