Christian Horner speaks out after being cleared of ‘coercive behaviour’ after his accuser’s appeal was dismissed
- Red Bull CEO makes first statement after acquittal of ‘compulsive behavior’
- Horner was initially acquitted in February before the prosecution filed an appeal
Christian Horner has detailed his relief after allegations of inappropriate behaviour against a female colleague were dismissed following an appeal.
The initial complaint led to an internal investigation by Red Bull GmbH, Red Bull’s parent company in Salzburg, which resulted in the 50-year-old’s acquittal.
A day after the first complaint was filed against multiple trophy winner Horner, a dossier of evidence was sent to almost 200 people in the F1 paddock, including members of the press, team bosses and franchisee Liberty Media.
The authenticity of these files has never been verified as they were sent from a generic, unnamed email address.
The complainant, who is still employed, has been suspended since March and subsequently appealed the original ruling.
Christian Horner has made his first public statement since an appeal against claims of ‘coercive behaviour’ was rejected
Red Bull’s team boss detailed his relief after being acquitted for the second time
Earlier this month, Horner, who has denied any wrongdoing since being charged, was acquitted for the second time after an appeal was rejected.
For the first time since the appeal was rejected, the Red Bull team boss expressed his enthusiasm about being able to focus fully on the track.
“It’s obviously been a hugely thorough process and I was obviously relieved that the appeal was completed and the claim was dismissed,” Horner told Sky Sports News.
‘So now, like all season, it’s all about concentrating on the track, here at Max’s home race, and I’m looking forward to the last 10 races.’
A statement from Red Bull following the ruling said: ‘The complainant exercised his right to appeal, and the appeal was lodged by another independent QC.
‘All stages of the appeal procedure have now been completed, with the final outcome being that the appeal is declared unfounded.
‘The conclusions of the KC have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull.
Max Verstappen will enter Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix hoping to extend his lead at the top of the drivers’ standings
‘The internal process has been completed.’
Verstappen will start Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix with a 78-point lead over the championship leader, hoping to get one step closer to his fourth consecutive title.
Meanwhile, Red Bull tops the constructors’ standings and hopes to secure a third consecutive victory.