Max Verstappen is on pole for the primary race of the 2024 season with the reigning champion in prime place to win the Bahrain Grand Prix.
However the session was overshadowed by the continuing scandal surrounding Christian Horner, with particulars of the texts between the Purple Bull workforce principal and his accuser rising at the exact same time.
Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing by Purple Bull on Wednesday, after allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ had been made towards him by a feminine worker of the workforce.
However on Thursday, WhatsApp messages and pictures supposedly between Horner and his accuser had been leaked to the media, together with the Metro, and F1 personnel.
A few of these texts have now been made public nonetheless.
Again on the observe, Horner was on the pitwall to see his star driver take pole place in Bahrain, going over two-tenths faster than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with George Russell of Mercedes third.
Extra Trending
Learn Extra Tales
Regardless of topping apply on Friday, Sir Lewis Hamilton may solely qualify ninth, whereas Lando Norris will line-up on the grid in seventh.
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded…
Monday 5 February – Purple Bull affirm investigation into Horner over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations
Friday 9 February – Horner grilled by impartial lawyer throughout eight-hour listening to
Thursday 15 February – Horner attends Purple Bull’s 2024 automobile launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time – says he ‘totally denies’ any wrongdoing
Friday 16 February – Recent allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner despatched messages of a ‘suggestive nature’ to a feminine worker
Wednesday 21 February to Friday 23 February – Horner attends Formulation 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain – says: ‘We hope there’s a decision as quickly as attainable’
Friday 23 February – Sixth sequence of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix – Horner and spouse Geri Halliwell characteristic in docuseries
Wednesday 28 February – Horner cleared of allegations – Purple Bull say: ‘The investigation is full and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a proper of attraction’
Thursday 29 February to Saturday 2 March – Formulation 1 season will get underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix
Thursday 29 February – WhatsApp messages and pictures supposedly between Horner and the complainant had been leaked to the media and F1 personnel
Friday 1 March – Horner summoned for showdown talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem
‘It was plenty of enjoyable. The observe had plenty of grip however with the wind the final two days, it was difficult to get the entire lap collectively. It was the identical in qualifying,’ Verstappen stated post-qualifying.
‘To actually get all the pieces out of it in Q3 was slightly harder however I’m very glad to be on pole. It was slightly bit surprising however fortunately in qualifying the automobile got here to us and I felt a bit happier with the entire automobile.
‘The race goes to be shut as effectively. We glance good as effectively however we’ll see tomorrow. I’m assured we are able to have a powerful race.’
Extra to observe…
For extra tales like this, examine our sport web page.
Observe Metro Sport for the most recent information on
Fb, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Christian Horner’s accuser believes she’s been ‘crucified’ over Purple Bull investigation
MORE : Geri Halliwell arrives in Bahrain as Christian Horner summoned for showdown talks by F1 chiefs
MORE : Geri Halliwell ‘surprised’ and ‘humiliated’ by particulars of ‘leaked Christian Horner WhatsApp messages’
