28 February 2024 , 15:43
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Red Bull have confirmed that Christian Horner has been cleared of misconduct following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
The Formula 1 team's Austrian parent company, Red Bull GmbH, launched an inquiry into Horner earlier this month after a female colleague made a complaint. However, the investigation has now been concluded ahead of the new F1 season, which is set to get underway in Bahrain this weekend.
A statement from Red Bull read: "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."
The 50-year-old, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, had strongly denied the allegations and had been continuing in his role as Red Bull prepare for the opening weekend of the season. Horner was interviewed by a specialist barrister on February 9 and the results of the investigation have emerged.
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When asked about the situation earlier this month, Horner said: "It's business as usual. Obviously, I fully deny any accusations that have been made against me but of course I'll work with that process, which I hope is concluded in the near future. I can't comment on what that process consists (of).
"I'm confident obviously in the process and working with the process and deny absolutely any allegations being made. I just continue to work within that process until it's concluded."
Christian Horner has been cleared by Red Bull (Getty Images)Despite the allegations facing him, Horner insisted that he still had the backing of his close relatives. "I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife," he added. "My focus has been on the job and the season ahead." Horner has been married to Geri since 2015 and the couple have one son together.
The statement from Red Bull comes a matter of days before the new F1 season gets underway in Bahrain. And Lewis Hamilton, who will leave Mercedes to join Ferrari at the end of the season, delivered his verdict on the controversy ahead of the first race of the campaign.
"We always have to do more to try to make the sport and the environment for people to work in feel safe and inclusive," Hamilton said. "Any allegations have to be taken very seriously. We don’t know everything that has gone on but it needs to be resolved because it is hanging over the sport.
"It will be interesting to see how it is dealt with, and the effect that it may or may not have on the sport moving forward. It is a really important moment for the sport to make sure that we stand true to our values."