Horner warned by F1 stewards over "rogue marshal" comments

Following the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix, Horner was reported to visit the stewards office at 19.15pm local time (16.15pm UK) over an alleged breach of of the international sporting code, which relates to misconduct. 

Article 12.2.1 f and k states: “Any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA...  or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motor sport” and any misconduct towards “licence-holders, officials, officers or member of the staff of the FIA, members of the staff of the organiser or promoter, members of the staff of the competitors”. 

Horner's offence related to his criticism of the FIA’s handling of Max Verstappen’s five place grid penalty prior to Sunday's race after the Red Bull driver was found guilty of failing to respect double-waved yellow flags in qualifying. 

Horner blamed a “rouge marshal” over the incident and said the FIA should have “better control of their marshals”. 

The stewards noted that Horner explained that his reaction was "one that was made under the pressure of competition" following Verstappen's penalty. 

"The Stewards explained that the marshal concerned was doing his job in precisely the manner prescribed in the International Sporting Code," the stewards' report read. 

"Mr Horner offered to apologise to the marshal concerned and to explain to the media that he meant no offense.

"He also offered to participate in the 2022 FIA International Stewards Programme in early February.

"The Stewards unreservedly accept Mr Horner’s offer."

In an interview with Sky Sports F1 after meeting the stewards', Horner moved to clarify his earlier comments. 

“Some comments were made in our interview earlier where you asked me about the marshalling, and I’d like to make it clear that marshals to a wonderful job,” Horner said.

“The frustration that I voiced earlier wasn’t at marshals, it was at a circumstance, if any offence was taken by any individual, then obviously I apologise for that. Still frustrating to end up with a situation like we did."