Christian Horner Focuses on “Work and Family” as Tension Around Red Bull Investigation Rises

Christian Horner can’t seem to catch a break from the allegations that were made against him. The Brit was declared innocent following a 23-day internal investigation into accusations of inappropriate behavior made by a female staff of Red Bull Racing. According to the company’s statement, the inquiry found no evidence of wrongdoing on Horner’s part. However, following the exoneration, a series of alleged messages were leaked when an anonymous email containing a link to these messages was sent to Formula 1 personnel and media as reported by BBC. What was Horner’s response? Doubling down on his denial.

Throughout the investigation, Horner had firmly denied the accusations and was determined to defend himself. Even when his future at Red Bull Racing was uncertain, he continued to lead the team, remaining committed to his role as both team principal and chief executive. But despite being cleared by Red Bull, the recent developments of the leaked messages, which remain unverified, have brought the spotlight on the Brit once again.

Christian Horner refuses to give weight to the leaked documents

Ever since the allegations of misconduct were made public by the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Horner has attracted a lot of attention. And the spotlight was on him yet again as the 2024 season kicked off on Thursday in Bahrain. The anonymous leak of the private documents (which remain unverified) has sparked discussions within the sport, prompting Formula 1 and its governing body to step into the matter.

During the FP3 session on Friday, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali summoned Christian Horner for a meeting to discuss the ongoing situation, the specifics of which are undisclosed. Following the conclusion of Qualifying, Horner praised Max Verstappen for securing the pole position, calling it an excellent start to the season. He didn’t delve much into the investigation, simply stating that it’s been a tough time for him but the process has concluded with all complaints dismissed.

Responding to the recent leak of compromising WhatsApp messages, Horner noted to formule1.nl, “Since the outcome of the investigation, there has been a lot of noise. But I am focused on my work here in the paddock and of course on my family.“ In another statement of denial, the Brit said, “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation. But, to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.“

READ MORE: Christian Horner Grilled by Ex-F1 Boss: “Does Anyone Seriously Think That the Employee Made Up Accusations?”

While Red Bull GmbH has cleared Horner of any wrongdoings, other team bosses are not happy with how the investigation has been kept under wraps.

Zak Brown and Toto Wolff urge for transparency in Horner’s investigation

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and McLaren chief Zak Brown have voiced concerns about the transparency surrounding Red Bull’s investigation into Christian Horner. The decision was communicated through a brief statement from Red Bull GmbH, which did not provide detailed insights into the investigation’s findings. Wolff expressed his views during the official FIA press conference at the Bahrain Grand Prix, stating that the statement issued by Red Bull seemed pretty basic. “I believe that as a global sport, it needs more transparency, and I wonder what the sport’s position is,” said Wolff.

The McLaren boss echoed a similar sentiment, urging the governing bodies to maintain the integrity of Formula 1. “They need to make sure things have been fully transparent with them. And I don’t know what those conversations are – and it needs to be thorough and fully transparent, that they come to the same conclusion that has been given by Red Bull and that they agree with the outcome,” Brown noted.

Do you think the FIA and Formula 1 will intervene to find out how the investigation was conducted? Share your insights in the comments down below.