Red Bull Formula One team principal Christian Horner has been cleared of misconduct following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.
The 50-year-old was placed under investigation by the F1 team’s Austrian parent company Red Bull GmbH following the allegations.
He was questioned for eight hours by a lawyer on 9 February.
Horner denied the allegations throughout the process and was present at the team’s 2024 car launch and pre-season testing in Bahrain last week.
In a statement, Red Bull said: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
“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 is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, who he said has been “very supportive”, and he also revealed he had been “overwhelmed” by messages of goodwill from within the sport.
Horner has been Red Bull team principal since they entered Formula One 19 years ago and is the longest-serving boss on the grid.
During that period he has overseen seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.
Horner and Max Verstappen in June 2023. Pic: Reuters
Verstappen refused to publicly back boss before verdict
In recent seasons, Red Bull have dominated the sport and last year won 21 of 22 races, with champion driver Max Verstappen setting a new record for 10 consecutive victories.
Verstappen refused to publicly back Horner before the verdict and when asked if he was fully behind him, the world champion said: “Well I’m trusting the process, that’s what’s happening right now.”
The new season starts in Bahrain on 2 March.
Source Agencies
