Horner cleared of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ after investigation
- Horner, 50, had been the topic of an inner investigation after the claims
- His spouse, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, had supported him all through
Christian Horner has been cleared of ‘coercive behaviour’ following an investigation into the Red Bull crew principal.
The 50-year-old husband of ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell had confronted allegations over his conduct in the direction of a feminine worker. It stays to be seen whether or not he’ll stay in his £8m-a-year job.
In an announcement, the crew’s mother or father firm, Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, stated: ‘The unbiased investigation into the allegations made in opposition to Mr Horner is full, and Red Bull can verify that the grievance has been dismissed.
‘The complainant has a proper of enchantment. Red Bull is assured that the investigation has been honest, rigorous and neutral.
‘The investigation report is confidential and comprises the personal data of the events and third events who assisted within the investigation, and subsequently we won’t be commenting additional out of respect for all involved. Red Bull will proceed striving to satisfy the best office requirements.’
Christian Horner has been cleared following a Red Bull investigation (pictured with spouse Geri Halliwell)
Horner was the topic of an investigation after he was accused by a feminine colleague of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
Former Spice Girl Geri (left) had been devastated by the jolt to their lives attributable to the claims
The allegations have been made by an in depth colleague, with Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, confirming an inner investigation on February 5.
They appointed a London KC to steer the inquiry. He heard 60 hours of proof, together with not less than eight hours from Horner in a single day, earlier than producing the essential 150-page report that went earlier than the broader firm’s board on Wednesday.
Horner was awaiting their adjudication as he took his personal jet on the three,000-mile journey from the UK to Bahrain for the opening race of the season this Saturday.
He was stated to be in good spirits because the day developed, hoping his identify can be cleared on touchdown within the Gulf kingdom this afternoon. He didn’t flip up on the paddock.
Former popstar Geri, mom of their seven-year-old son Monty, has stood resolutely by him all through the ordeal. She is claimed to be ‘devastated’ by the jolt to their lives, which they cut up between their farmhouse (and stables) in Oxfordshire and a house in North London.
Horner has gained 13 world championships since heading the crew as a 31-year-old in 2005. He was then the youngest crew principal on the grid, but is now its longest-serving.
He attended pre-season testing in Bahrain final week earlier than returning dwelling, his place seemingly rising stronger as the times progressed.
But he gave the impression to be up in opposition to forces ranged in opposition to him inside the organisation, however the veracity of the accusations.
Ford, who’re getting into an engine partnership with Red Bull from 2026, led requires a swift conclusion to the saga. In a letter written final Friday, chief govt Jim Farley expressed his displeasure on the ‘unresolved allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Red Bull Racing management’.
Those requires readability on the earliest second have been echoed by F1’s American homeowners, Liberty Media.
Horner’s place was additionally undermined, it appeared, by the loss of life of the power drinks mogul who gave him his massive break 19 years in the past on the helm of the brand new Red Bull crew. Dietrich Mateschitz died in 2022 of most cancers, a tragedy that inevitably shook up the administration construction, leaving executives jostling for place. One key mover is believed to have been Oliver Mintzlaff, the managing director and former CEO of RB Leipzig, who, it’s stated, resented Horner’s powerbase.
Horner was current for F1 testing in Bahrain final week forward of the beginning of the brand new season
The 50-year-old additionally attended the Red Bull automobile launch in Milton Keynes regardless of the allegations
The announcement on Horner comes forward of the brand new F1 season getting underway in Bahrain this week
It could come as a aid to Horner’s spouse Geri, who stood by her husband throughout the investigation
Horner, nevertheless, retained the assist of Red Bull’s Thai faction, headed by Chalerm Yoovidhya, son of the agency’s co-founder Chaleo. Chalerm, as an inheritor to the corporate fortune with a 51 per cent stake in it, is estimated to be price £30billion. He turned up intermittently at races and could possibly be seen in lengthy and pleasant chats with the Englishman, together with when Verstappen clinched the third of his consecutive world titles in Qatar final October.
Another vital voice was that of Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s 80-year-old motorsport adviser – an Austrian believed to be extra according to Mintzlaff than Horner.
‘Marko was given a contract renewal final 12 months, however he noticed his cash halved,’ stated one well-placed F1 determine. ‘There is the notion that he wished his revenge on Horner, and wished him out.’
