Red Bull team principal repeats denial of inappropriate behaviour after alleged leak of investigation material

Red Bull Formula One team principal Christian Horner has repeated his denial of allegations of inappropriate behaviour after material purported to be alleged evidence in the investigation was leaked.

Pic: PA

The F1 team’s Austrian parent company Red Bull GmbH cleared the 50-year-old of misconduct on Wednesday.

He had been placed under investigation following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.

“I won’t comment on anonymous speculation but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations,” Horner said in a statement.

“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully co-operated with it every step of the way.

“It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made.

Geri Horner and Christian Horner arrive at the 2023 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Britain, February 19, 2023. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

“I remain fully focused on the start of the season.”

Horner had denied the allegations throughout the process and was present at the team’s 2024 car launch and pre-season testing in Bahrain last week.

He had been questioned for eight hours by a lawyer on 9 February.

Material purporting to be the alleged evidence in the investigation into Horner’s behaviour has been leaked to numerous media organisations and F1 team principals from an anonymous email account.

Red Bull confirms grievance dismissed

In a statement, Red Bull said: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.

“The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.

“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.

“Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”

Horner is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, who he said has been “very supportive”. He also revealed he had been “overwhelmed” by messages of goodwill from within the sport.

He has been Red Bull team principal since they entered Formula One 19 years ago and is the longest-serving boss on the grid.

During that period he has overseen the team win seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.

The new season starts in Bahrain on 2 March.