Christian Horner of Red Bull Racing was cleared after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him by a female team worker.
Red Bull’s Christian Horner was cleared after an examination into allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him by a female team member.
London – Red Bull CEO Christian Horner was exonerated of wrongdoing on Wednesday after an examination into allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him by a female team member.
According to a statement from Austrian energy drink corporation Red Bull, which owns the world champion Formula One team, the “grievance has been dismissed.”
Horner, who has been team principal since 2005, disputed the claims and was subjected to a lengthy interview by an independent London lawyer serving as an investigator, who reported his findings to Red Bull.
The lawyer’s report was provided on Tuesday and reviewed by Red Bull’s board.
“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr. Horner is completed, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” the team’s parent company stated in a statement.
“The complainant has the right to appeal. Red Bull is sure that the inquiry was fair, thorough, and impartial.
“The investigation report is confidential and contains private information of the parties and third parties who cooperated in the inquiry, thus we will not comment more out of respect for everyone involved.
“Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”
Horner flew to Bahrain from London on Wednesday but did not attend the circuit’s media day ahead of this weekend’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Earlier this month, the Dutch tabloid De Telegraaf reported on complaints of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female member of the British-based team.
When questioned about the accusations, Horner, 50, told De Telegraaf: “I completely deny these claims.”
Formula One executives had stated that they wanted the situation rectified “as soon as possible.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team chief, termed the inquiry as “an issue for all of Formula One” and advocated for transparency.
Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull has become the dominant power in Formula One, with Max Verstappen winning the last three driver’s championships.
Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has led the team since it debuted Formula One 19 years ago.
During that time, he oversaw seven driver world championships and six constructor titles.
Red Bull dominated the 2023 season, winning 21 of 22 races as Verstappen defended his driver’s title.
The Dutchman stated on Wednesday that the Horner inquiry “doesn’t affect me.”
“I’m very focused on the car and on myself,” he told me.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, agreed the dispute had been “hanging over the sport.”
“I think we always have to do more to try and make the sport, and the environment that people work in, feel safe and inclusive,” he went on to say.
According to former F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone, “it’s great the process was carried out in the right way and was not decided on the basis of one person’s statement.”
“He was very clear with me that there was nothing to be concerned about. It’s been tough because it’s been hovering over him.”
