SUMMARY
- Christian Horner faced an independent investigation for alleged misconduct within the Red Bull team.
- Despite initial allegations, Red Bull dismissed the complaint without disclosing details.
While the Formula 1 community was just recovering from the shock of Lewis Hamilton’s transfer, another scandal came to light and involved Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. The British team boss faced an independent investigation for alleged misconduct involving a staff member. However, Red Bull announced that they had dismissed the complaint without disclosing the nature of the complaint.
Horner, who has led the team since 2005, refuted these allegations from the very beginning. Curious minds of the people delved into conspiracy theories and the Dutch media house, De Telegraaf suggested that had sent controversial messages to a colleague. This allegation carried significant weight considering the reputation of Horner and the Austrian outfit as reigning champions.
Furthermore, the 50-year-old is married to Geri Halliwell Horner, who also supported him throughout the investigation.
Christian Horner cleared of misconduct allegations
An independent inquiry cleared Horner of any wrongdoing following allegations of misconduct towards a female colleague. Red Bull confirmed the dismissal of the grievance against the Briton in a statement, marking the end of the independent investigation. The media frenzy surrounding the internal inquiry reportedly took a toll on Horner, affecting his personal life with Geri Halliwell.
🚨 According to @thetimes, there was no such evidence of sexual messages submitted in the complaint itself, unlike what De Telegraaf had reported previously.
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) February 28, 2024
A spokesperson from the Austrian team stated, “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous, and impartial. Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”Â
Amidst mounting pressure, particularly from sponsors like Ford, additional claims of sexual misconduct purportedly based on messages sent by Horner lack evidence in the complaint itself. On the contrary, Max Verstappen refrained from publicly endorsing his boss amidst the uncertainty.
Red Bull boss finally speaks out post-clearance ahead of Bahrain GP
Christian Horner has addressed the public following his dismissal from allegations of inappropriate conduct toward a female coworker. Arriving at the Bahrain Grand Prix ahead of the season opener in Sakhir, Horner expressed his relief over the conclusion of the process. Remaining true to his duties as the team principal, he emphasized focusing on the race weekend.
🗣️ | 🇧🇠Christian Horner on clearing of the allegations
“I’m just pleased that the process is over. I obviously can’t comment about it. We’re here very much to focus on the Grand Prix and the season ahead and defend both of our titles.
The process has been conducted and… pic.twitter.com/7bZTNKBwsz
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) February 29, 2024
He said, “I’m just pleased that the process is over. I obviously can’t comment about it but here, very much the focus now on the grand prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles. I’m pleased to be here in Bahrain with the team focused on the season ahead.” Horner added, “Within the team, it’s never been stronger.”
As far as the reports go, Horner as well as his family took a sigh of relief after this tedious investigation process after it, momentarily, tainted his reputation.