Horner doesn't understand media: 'Don't understand the need to talk about this'

Max Verstappen did exactly what many expected him to do: win the Japanese Grand Prix by force. The party for Red Bull Racing was complete thanks to Sergio Perez, who crossed the finish line second in Suzuka. Another excellent result for the Austrian team after the failure in Australia, and needless to say, team boss Christian Horner received plenty of questions about the success after the race.

But there was also a question about the situation with the female employee, whom Horner has been accusing of cross-border behaviour for some time. In the run-up to the Japanese Grand Prix, it came out via the BBC that this lady is currently in an emotionally fragile state. Horner was then asked if he wished to comment on this. His answer was clear: "No."

It was revealed, via the BBC, that all involved are bound by a confidentiality clause, with the extent to which the woman was forced to sign it, incidentally, unclear. In turn, another company reported last week that Nicole Carling - the former assistant (PA) to the British team boss - has returned to Red Bull Racing as an 'interim executive assistant'.

In Japan, Horner was asked if he would confirm or deny this report? That turned out to be a question the team boss had not counted on at the time. "Yes. I'm surprised that I'm talking about my assistant in a briefing. But, yes, my assistant of 15 years is in a temporary supporting position," Horner said.