01 March 2024 , 10:43
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Under-fire Formula 1 boss Christian Horner has been spotted preparing for today's third and final practice session ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday.
Red Bull team principal Horner last night responded to alleged leaked text messages and photos - which Mirror Sport has seen - between the 50-year-old and one of his colleagues, which emerged following the conclusion of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Red Bull cleared Horner, who's been married to Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell since 2015 and continues to refute the accusations.
He did so in a strongly-worded statement issued shortly after the alleged content came to light on Thursday evening. "I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations," Horner, who's been in charge of Red Bull since they entered the sport in 2005, affirmed.
"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."
On February 5, Red Bull Racing's parent company, Red Bull GmbH, announced that Horner was under investigation. F1's longest-serving team principal strongly denied the allegations and continued in his dual roles as boss and CEO of Red Bull Racing.
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Three weeks after the probe was launched, Horner was exonerated by an independent barrister, who was employed to review the evidence. In their statement on Wednesday, Red Bull Austria, the team's parent company, confirmed: "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."
Christian Horner was seen chatting with colleagues on Friday morning (Eric Alonso/Getty Images)Little over 24 hours after their statement was released, however, leaked files were sent to members of the F1 paddock including FIA president Mohamed ben Sulayem, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the nine other team principals and the media.
The files detailed alleged private conversations between Horner and an unnamed person on WhatsApp. He was out and about in Bahrain on Friday morning amid the controversy, as his team prepare for Practice 3 at 12:30 and qualifying which will begin at 4pm.
Horner was pictured sitting at a table and speaking to various members of his team who are out in the Middle East for the start of the 2024 season. Red Bull are aiming to win the Constructors' Championship for the third successive year.
Three-time world champion Max Verstappen is also bidding to win the Drivers' Championship for the fourth year in a row but could face competition from Lewis Hamilton, who's embarking on his final campaign with Mercedes before a hotly-anticipated move to rival team Ferrari.