Christian Horner has been cleared of all allegations against him (Photo: Getty)
Christian Horner has spoken out for the first time since Red Bull cleared him of allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’.
The Formula 1 team principal had been under investigation for several weeks after a female employee of Red Bull accused him of ‘inappropriate and controlling behaviour’.
On Wednesday, the reigning F1 champions confirmed that ‘the grievance has been dismissed’ after a ‘fair, rigorous and impartial investigation’.
Horner, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, had previously said he ‘fully denies any accusations’ and claimed he had the support of his team.
The matter has overshadowed the start of the new season which gets underway this weekend in Bahrain, with Horner arriving at the Sakhir circuit late on Wednesday night.
However, despite calls for the investigation to be ‘transparent’, Red Bull’s statement added: ‘The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.’
As such, Horner was coy to speak out on Thursday when queried about the matter, but maintained that his team were more unified and stronger than ever.
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded…
Monday 5 February – Red Bull confirm investigation into Horner over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations
Friday 9 February – Horner grilled by independent lawyer during eight-hour hearing
Thursday 15 February – Horner attends Red Bull’s 2024 car launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time – says he ‘fully denies’ any wrongdoing
Friday 16 February – Fresh allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner sent messages of a ‘suggestive nature’ to a female employee
Wednesday 21 February to Friday 23 February – Horner attends Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain – says: ‘We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible’
Friday 23 February – Sixth series of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix – Horner and wife Geri Halliwell feature in docuseries
Wednesday 28 February – Horner cleared of allegations – Red Bull say: ‘The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal’
Thursday 29 February to Saturday 2 March – Formula 1 season gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix
‘I’m just pleased that the process is over. I obviously can’t comment about it,’ the 50-year-old told Sky Sports
‘The focus is very much now on the grand prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles.
‘I can’t give you any further comment. The process has been conducted and concluded.
Christian Horner investigation – what we know
- Halliwell said to be in ‘floods of tears’ over investigation but will stand by her husband despite warnings of a potential ‘toxic tinge’.
- Horner attended Red Bull’s 2024 car launch at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes and publicly addressed allegations for first time.
- Horner was cleared of allegations on eve of new F1 season with Red Bull saying: ‘The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal.’
- Lewis Hamilton described investigation as ‘a really important moment for the sport – to make sure that we stand true to our values.’
‘I’m pleased to be here in Bahrain with the team focused on the season ahead. The team has never been stronger.’
Practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix gets underway on Thursday ahead of the race on Saturday, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen the big favourite to win.
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