29 February 2024 , 17:42
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Christian Horner has maintained his innocence in a strong-worded statement after messages allegedly sent between the Red Bull boss and a member of staff at the Formula One team were leaked.
Horner, the team principal of the reigning Formula 1 champions, was this week cleared of misconduct after an investigation into allegations of "inappropriate behaviour".
On February 5, Red Bull Racing’s parent company Red Bull GmbH announced that Horner was under investigation. Horner, 50, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, denied the claim and three weeks after the probe was launched, he was exonerated by an independent barrister, who was employed to review the evidence.
But just over 24 hours after being cleared, messages and pictures - which Mirror Sport has seen - were leaked to members of the F1 paddock including FIA president Mohamed ben Sulayem, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the nine other team principals and the media, with the messages allegedly detailing private conversations between Horner and an unnamed person.
Horner has now responded and said in a statement released on Thursday evening: "I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations.
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"I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.
"It 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."
In their statement on Wednesday, Red Bull Austria, the team's parent company, 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.
Horner is in Bahrain for the opening race of the 2024 F1 season (Getty Images)"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 arrived in Bahrain on Wednesday and broke his silence on being cleared on Thursday ahead of the opening race of the 2024 F1 season.
Speaking to reporters after arriving in the paddock, he said: "Look, I'm just pleased that the process is over. Obviously I can't comment about it but we're here very much now to focus on the Grand Prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles."
Asked if he hoped if it was the end of the matter, he replied: "I can't give you any further comment but the process has been conducted and concluded."