Christian Horner has broken his silence after being cleared of wrongdoing by Red Bull Racing on Wednesday, insisting the team has ‘never been stronger’ ahead of Saturday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Red Bull director, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, will remain in his £8million-a-year job ahead of Saturday’s premiere in Bahrain, after the Formula 1 team confirmed their internal investigation into allegations against Horner had been rejected.
Red Bull started an investigation into 50-year-old Horner on February 5 after he was accused of ‘coercive behavior towards a female employee’.
Horner told Sky Sports on Thursday morning: ‘I’m just glad the process is over, I can’t comment on it.
‘The focus now is very much on the Grand Prix and the coming season and on defending both our titles.’
Christian Horner has broken his silence after being cleared of wrongdoing by Red Bull Racing
Asked if he felt this was the end of the matter, the Red Bull chief replied: ‘I cannot comment further, but the process has been carried out and completed. I am happy to be here in Bahrain and looking forward to the coming season.
‘The unity in the team has never been stronger.’
When Horner landed in the Gulf Kingdom on Wednesday, he was greeted by news that the investigation had been concluded, with Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg – the parent company of the world champion team – saying in a statement: ‘The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been rejected.
‘The complainant has the right to appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation was fair, rigorous and impartial.
‘The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who participated in the investigation. Out of respect for all involved, we will therefore make no further comment. Red Bull will continue to strive to meet the highest standards in the workplace.”
The precise nature of the complaints is still unknown.
Horner was interrogated by a QC for a whole day at a secret location last month, while the lawyer gathered evidence he had written up in 150 pages over the past few days for the Red Bull board’s determination.
More to follow.