by Christian Horner responded with a firm statement after WhatsApp messages allegedly from the Red Bull F1 boss were leaked on Thursday.
The staff principal was cleared of “inappropriate conduct” on Wednesday following a three-week internal investigation by an outside lawyer, following allegations by a female colleague that Horner strongly denied.
However, just 24 hours later, WhatsApp texts and pictures were leaked from an unknown source – to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, nine of the sport’s other team principals and members of the media – allegedly showed conversations between Horner and the media. complaining The Independent has seen the leaked content but is unable to verify the authenticity of the content at this point.
It is unclear at this time whether the alleged exchanges were part of the investigation or new evidence.
Horner responded to the latest development with a brief statement: “I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations. I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and cooperated fully every step of the way.
“It was a thorough and fair investigation carried out by an independent specialist counsel and it concluded, dismissing the complaint made. I am fully focused on the start of the season.”
The Independent contacted Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing, for further comment and they replied: “This is a private matter between Mr Horner and another person and it would be inappropriate for Red Bull to comment on this.”
Horner arrived in Bahrain on Wednesday night ahead of the first race of the 2024 season this weekend and was present in the paddock on Thursday for practice.
Speaking to Sky Sports earlier on Thursday, he said: “I’m glad the process is over, and I can’t comment on it.
“I’m here to focus on the grand prix and the season ahead and trying to defend our two titles. I cannot give you any further comment, but the process has been launched and concluded.
“I am happy to be here in Bahrain, and with the team, focused on the season ahead. Within the team, it (unity) has never been stronger.”
The complaint, first announced on February 5, alleged “inappropriate regulatory conduct” against Horner. He strongly denied the allegations, first and publicly at the launch of the Red Bull 2024 F1 car in Milton Keynes as well as last week at pre-season testing.
But after an investigation and completion by an external lawyer, who interviewed Horner for almost ten hours on February 9 in London, Red Bull GmbH confirmed that the “complaint” against Horner had been dismissed. The female colleague, however, has the right to appeal.
A spokesman for Red Bull GmbH said: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner has been completed, and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed.
“The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation was fair, rigorous and impartial.
“The investigation report is confidential and contains private information about the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, so we will not comment further out of respect for everyone involved. Red Bull will continue to achieve the highest standards in the workplace.”
The Red Bull F1 chief executive, 50, is married to Spice Girl member Geri Horner and is the longest-serving team principal on the F1 grid, having been in charge since the team’s inception in 2005.
Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle insisted that the statement, from Red Bull HQ in Salzburg, was a “tight pull” on the matter.
Horner, who signed a contract extension at Red Bull until 2026 back in 2021, was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honors list for services to motor sport, having previously received an OBE in 2013.
He led Red Bull with six constructors’ championship wins and seven drivers’ championship wins – three for Max Verstappen and four for Sebastian Vettel.
Red Bull won 21 out of 22 races in 2023 in its most successful year to date in Formula 1, with Verstappen securing his third straight championship.
But the investigation into Horner’s conduct has cast a dark cloud over the team’s preparations for the 2024 season, where he and Verstappen will once again be the favorites for title glory.
The first race of the 2024 F1 season – featuring a record 24 races – takes place this Saturday, March 2, in Bahrain.
