Red Bull team principal Christian Horner watches the final practice for the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix to be held at the Bahrain International Circuit on March 1, 2024. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
- Red Bull manager Christian Horner appears to be under fresh pressure after messages between him and a female staff member were leaked.
- Horner was cleared of “inappropriate conduct” charges earlier this week.
- During his time at Red Bull, Horner has overseen seven drivers' world championships and six constructors' titles.
- For more sports news, news 24 sports cover.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner came under fresh pressure on Friday after private messages between him and a female staff member were allegedly leaked to F1 officials and journalists.
Mr Horner, 50, was cleared by his team on Wednesday after an internal investigation into his conduct towards a female colleague and strongly denies the accusations against him.
Read | Christian Horner: “I don't want to compromise. I haven't done anything to apologize for.''
On Thursday, a file of messages and photos was emailed by an anonymous source to key F1 figures and dozens of international news organizations, including AFP.
It is unclear whether the contents of the file, which cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, formed part of the charges against him.
On Friday, Horner, who was overseeing the Red Bull car during qualifying for Saturday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, said: “I do not comment on anonymous speculation, but again, I have always denied the allegations.'' he said.
“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and cooperated fully every step of the way.
“A thorough and fair investigation was carried out by an independent expert attorney and concluded with the charges dismissed. I remain fully focused on the start of the season.”
Red Bull's parent company has indicated that the team believes the alleged email sent on Thursday constitutes a private matter.
A Red Bull GmbH spokesperson said: “This is a private matter between Mr. Horner and another person and it would be inappropriate for Red Bull to comment on this.''
Horner is believed to have received support during the investigation from his wife Geri, a member of the pop group Spice Girls.
Assuming everything is clear
His future as one of F1's most successful team bosses hinged on the outcome of an internal investigation set up by energy drink company Red Bull's parent company.
Red Bull has hired a London lawyer to investigate the allegations against Horner.
He was acquitted on Wednesday after his lawyer's report was reviewed by company directors.
“The independent investigation into the allegations against Mr. Horner has been completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaints have been dismissed,” Red Bull said in a statement.
Other teams in the F1 paddock are unhappy with the way the investigation into Horner was conducted.
McLaren team boss Zac Brown has called on the sport's governing body, the FIA, to be more transparent.
Brown told Sky Sports: “From what I've seen, I think there's still a lot of rumors, speculation and questions. I think the sanctioning body (FIA) has a responsibility and a mandate for our sport, for our fans. ” he said.
“I think all of us involved in F1 are ambassadors of the sport on and off the track, just as you see in other sports.
“I think they need to make sure things are completely transparent.”
Horner has been in charge of Red Bull since it entered F1 19 years ago.
During that time he has overseen seven Drivers' World Championships and six Constructors' titles.
Red Bull dominated the 2023 season, winning 21 of 22 races with Max Verstappen successfully defending his drivers' title.
The Dutch driver said on Wednesday that Horner's investigation “doesn't affect me.”
“I'm very focused on the car and myself.”
