F1 round up: Horner cleared, Piastri’s break, Tsunoda ‘ready’, Rwanda gp?

The Christian Horner saga that engulfed Red Bull at the start of the year is over after an appeal into the investigation was not upheld, while Oscar Piastri has cheekily revealed some surprise news and Rwanda could be a new Grand Prix.

Red Bull has announced an appeal following the investigation that cleared Horner from allegations of misconduct by a female employee has been dismissed.

The allegations surfaced on the eve of the 2024 season and an internal investigation took place and after an eight-week probe, Red Bull’s only F1 team priced was cleared.

The female employee was then suspended but appealed the investigation’s findings and last week it was announced the appeal was dismissed by an independent barrister.

“Earlier this year a complaint raised against Christian Horner was investigated,” read a press statement. 

“The complaint was dealt with through the company’s grievance procedure by the appointment of an independent KC who dismissed the grievance.

“The complainant exercised the right to appeal, and the appeal was carried out by another independent KC. 

“All stages of the appeal process have now been concluded, with the final outcome that the appeal is not being upheld.

“The KC’s conclusions have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull. The internal process has concluded.

“The company respects the privacy of all its employees and will not be making further public comment on this matter at this time.

“Red Bull is committed to continuing to meet the highest workplace standards.”

Piastri’s break

Oscar Piastri sprays Champagne from the Belgian GP podium. Image: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images.

Oscar Piastri has just revealed that he drove the last two Grands Prix – including his first ever win at he Hungarian Grand Prix – with a fractured sixth rib.

In one of his cryptic Instagram messages Piastri wrote:

First part of the season done. First GP victory. First broken bone. Rib’s enjoying the break

Oscar hasn’t detailed how he broke his rib, but the scan is dated the day after the British GP which suggests it either happened during the race, or the post-race celebrations!

If he was able to contest two F1 races with the rib injury – which he managed to keep secret – there’s no reason to suggest he won’t be able to contest the Dutch GP, which kicks off in 11 days.

Tsunoda ‘ready’ for Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda feels he has stepped up in 2024. Photo by LAT Images

More attention at Red Bull in recent weeks has focused around its driver line up with Sergio Perez being retained despite his recent struggles.

But there is still a question mark around 2025 with Helmut Marko stating there will be a call made on Liam Lawson’s future by September.

Whilst there has also been talk around Daniel Ricciardo, the other key member is Yuki Tsunoda, who sits 10 points ahead of his Australian Racing Bulls teammate.

But in June Tsunoda was locked in to remain at Racing Bulls for a fifth campaign in 2025 and is not believed to be a favourite for Perez’s replacement.

However, the Japanese youngster believes he has greatly matured since his fiery early years and feels he is ready for a Red Bull promotion if called upon.

“I feel I am a more complete driver,” Tsunoda told AUTOSPORT.

“When I look from an outside perspective, previously even (though) my one lap or performance or my driving was okay, I think the radio communications (my) emotional control was lacking quite a lot – a big step when I compare to Daniel, for example.

“So I wanted to improve those things and to be a more complete driver so that no one can complain about the specific things. 

“Now I feel ready.

“The last couple of races I was able to achieve those things.

“I believe in myself and I am finding more control and consistency.

“They know my performance and they are happy with my performance.”

Rwanda ‘serious’ about GP

James Hunt racing the Hesketh 308-1 Ford leading Emerson Fittipaldi during the 1974 South African GP at Kyalami. Photo by LAT Images

A Rwanda Grand Prix could be on the horizon with F1 chiefs scheduled to meet with local authorises.

As part of Liberty Media’s ambitions to grow the calendar, one objective yet to be fulfilled to have a race on all six continents with Africa the only omission.

The last time Formula 1 raced there was in 1993 when Alain Prost won the season opener at Kyalami where only five of the 26 cars finished.

Although a number of countries including South Africa have expressed interest in recent years, but right now Rwanda could be leading the race.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said a meeting will be held at the end of next month.

“They are serious,” Domenicali told Autosport. 

“They have presented a good plan and actually we have a meeting with them at the end of September. 

“It will be on a permanent track.”

Recently the president of the Rwanda Automobile Club, Christian Gakwaya, provided an update of how committed his team are to make the race happen, while this year’s FIA Prize Giving ceremony will be held in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

“It’s time for Africa to be part of the F1 calendar.

“Rwanda as a country, we are committed and prepared to host a Formula 1 race.

“We are working within the formal F1 framework and we are serious about our bid.

“For motor sport in Rwanda, hosting F1 is a key component of a broader strategy we have that includes infrastructure development, capacity building and academies, and a push to host more international events and championships in Rwanda.

“Significant progress has already been made on the new strategy, with additional plans set to be revealed at the upcoming general assembly this December in Kigali.”

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