HORNER IN CRISIS TALKS WITH CHIEFS

CHRISTIAN HORNER took part in crisis talks with the F1 CEO and FIA president yesterday with his position under threat.

The saga surrounding his Red Bull future continues to rage on after alleged messages and photos were leaked on Thursday.

During the third and final free practice session of the weekend yesterday, Horner was spotted emerging from the Red Bull garage with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The team principal then met with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali later in the day ahead of qualifying.

While the nature of these conversations is unknown, the 50-year-old (inset) was spotted embracing Ben Suleyem on his way out of the team garage during FP3.

When the investigation into the misconduct allegations between him and a female employee was closed on Wednesday, Horner’s future with the team looked to have been secured.

But just 24 hours later alleged Whatsapp texts and photographs between him and the complainant were leaked to 149 F1 figures through an anonymous email.

And this latest twist in the tale poses a new threat to the long-serving team principal’s position within the Red Bull organisation.

Key paddock figures such as Mercedes’ Toto Wolff (top) and Zak Brown, of Mclaren, have reiterated calls for transparency, and the saga’s wide reach has created unwanted attention for the sport.

So far, Red Bull have refused to share the report on the investigation, labelling it as “confidential”.

However, if the FIA were to launch their own investigation into the matter, the International Sporting Code could force Red Bull’s hand.

Under Article 12.2.1g, “any failure to co-operate in an investigation” would be deemed an offence.

If the cloud continues to hang over Horner the sport’s governing body has the tools to intervene.