Christian Horner responds after text messages and photos the Red Bull boss allegedly sent a female employee are LEAKED… after being cleared of misconduct

Christian Horner has responded after WhatsApp conversations between him and a close female employee were leaked.

The leak of 79 screenshots of messages and photos was emailed to key figures in the sport ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The sender was anonymous.

Horner, the 50-year-old husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was cleared of ‘coercive behaviour’ in an internal investigation carried out by Red Bull’s parent company in Salzburg.

Red Bull’s team boss has responded quickly to the leak, ahead of the Formula 1 season that starts this weekend in Bahrain.

“I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but I repeat: I have always denied the allegations,” Horner said in a statement.

Red Bull launched the investigation into Horner, husband of ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, on February 5

Horner has issued a statement saying he will not comment on ‘anonymous speculation’

“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and cooperated fully with it every step of the way.

It was a thorough and fair investigation, carried out by an independent, specialist lawyer, who decided to reject the complaint submitted.

‘I remain fully focused on the start of the season.’

The Englishman was free to stay on as team boss of the world championship-winning team on a salary of £8 million a year.

The leak, which included hundreds of WhatsApp messages, was sent to leading F1 figures including FIA president Mohammad Ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali. All team chiefs were also taken over, together with the father of star driver Max Verstappen, Jos.

The parent company of the world champion team, Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, which launched the investigation on February 5, said on Wednesday: ‘The The independent investigation into the allegations against Mr Horner has been completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed.

‘The complainant has the right to appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation was fair, rigorous and impartial.

Former pop star Geri (left) was devastated by the shock to their lives as a result of the claims

‘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.”

Horner, who remained silent throughout the investigation, has won 13 world championships since taking charge of the team in 2005 at the age of 31. He was the youngest team boss on the grid at the time, but is now the longest-serving.

Former Spice Girl sensation Geri, mother of their seven-year-old son Monty, stood firmly behind Horner throughout the ordeal. She is said to be ‘devastated’ by the shock the investigation has had on their lives.

It is understood she could join him in Bahrain to watch the start of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign.