Christian Horner will continue in his role as Red Bull team principal after allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against him were dismissed following an investigation.
The 50-year-old was placed under investigation by the F1 team’s Austrian parent company Red Bull GmbH after allegations were made against him by a female colleague.
Horner has denied the allegations throughout the process and was present at the reigning constructors’ champions 2024 car launch and pre-season testing in Bahrain last week.
Red Bull GmbH released a statement confirming the conclusion of the investigation on Wednesday, less than 24 hours before the cars take to the track for the first time at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” the company said in a statement.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Max Verstappen says Christian Horner’s investigation doesn’t affect him and he is instead focused on the performance of the car
“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 attended an interview on February 9 with the external specialist barrister carrying out the investigation, but no resolution on the matter was reached at that stage.
Attending the team’s car launch six days later at their Milton Keynes base, Horner addressed the media for the first time since the allegations became public, and reiterated his denial.
Horner has been in charge of Red Bull Racing since it formed in 2005 and has led the squad to seven drivers’ titles and six constructors’ triumphs in 19 seasons.
More to follow…