- Christian Horner was cleared of ‘coercive behaviour in the direction of a feminine worker’
- But texts and images the Red Bull principal allegedly despatched have now been leaked
- Horner has responded forward of the beginning of the Formula One season in Bahrain
Christian Horner has responded after WhatsApp exchanges allegedly between him and a detailed feminine worker have been leaked.
The leak of 79 screenshots of messages and footage have been emailed to key figures within the sport forward of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The sender was nameless.
Horner, the 50-year-old husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was cleared of ‘coercive behaviour’ in an inner inquiry carried out by Red Bull’s father or mother firm in Salzburg.
The Red Bull staff principal has issued a fast response to the leak, which comes forward of the Formula One season starting in Bahrain this weekend.
‘I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations,’ Horner said in a statement.
Christian Horner has responded after WhatsApp exchanges allegedly between him and a close female employee were leaked
Red Bull launched the probe on Horner, husband of ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, on February 5
Horner issued a statement saying he will not comment on ‘anonymous speculation’
‘I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.
‘t was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister, and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made.
‘I remain fully focused on the start of the season.’
The Englishman was free to remain on as staff principal of the world-championship profitable staff on a wage of £8million a yr.
The leak, containing a whole bunch of WhatsApp messages, was despatched to main F1 figures, together with FIA president Mohammad Ben Sulayem and F1 chief government Stefano Domenicali. All the staff principals have been additionally copied in, together with star driver Max Verstappen’s father Jos.
The world champion staff’s father or mother firm Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, who launched the probe on February 5, stated on Wednesday: ‘The impartial investigation into the allegations made towards Mr Horner is full, and Red Bull can affirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
‘The complainant has a proper of attraction. Red Bull is assured that the investigation has been honest, rigorous and neutral.
Former popstar Geri (left) had been devastated by the jolt to their lives attributable to the claims
‘The investigation report is confidential and accommodates the non-public data of the events and third events who assisted within the investigation, and, due to this fact, we is not going to be commenting additional out of respect for all involved. Red Bull will proceed striving to fulfill the very best office requirements.’
Horner, who remained silent all through the probe, has gained 13 world championships since heading the staff as a 31-year-old in 2005. He was then the youngest staff principal on the grid, but is now its longest-serving.
Former Spice Girl sensation Geri, mom of their seven-year-old son Monty, stood resolutely by Horner all through the ordeal. She is claimed to be ‘devastated’ by the jolt the investigation has had on their lives.
It is known she may be a part of him in Bahrain to observe the beginning of the 2024 Formula One marketing campaign.