- Christian Horner was acquitted of “coercive behavior towards an employee”
- But now texts and photographs that the Red Bull director supposedly sent have been leaked.
- Horner responded before the start of the Formula One season in Bahrain
Christian Horner has responded after WhatsApp exchanges allegedly between him and a close employee were leaked.
The leak of 79 screenshots of messages and images was emailed to key sports figures 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 by Red Bull’s parent company in Salzburg.
The Red Bull team principal has issued a swift response to the leak, which comes before the Formula One season begins in Bahrain this weekend.
“I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but I repeat that I have always denied the allegations,” Horner said in a statement.
Christian Horner has responded after WhatsApp exchanges allegedly between him and a close employee were leaked.
Red Bull began its investigation into Horner, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, on February 5
Horner 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, and concluded by dismissing the complaint filed.
“I remain fully focused on the start of the season.”
The Englishman was free to remain as manager of the world championship-winning team on a salary of £8 million a year.
The leak, containing hundreds of WhatsApp messages, was sent to senior F1 figures including FIA President Mohammad Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. All team principals were also copied, along with star driver Max Verstappen’s father, Jos.
The parent company of the world championship team, Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, which launched the investigation on February 5, said on Wednesday: “The The independent investigation into the allegations made against Horner is complete and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed.
‘The plaintiff has the right to appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.
Former pop star Geri (left) was left devastated by the impact on their lives caused by the claims.
‘The investigation report is confidential and contains 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 those involved. “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 leading the team as a 31-year-old in 2005. He was then the youngest team manager on the grid, but is now the longest-serving. in office.
Former Spice Girl sensation Geri, mother of his seven-year-old son Monty, staunchly supported Horner throughout the ordeal. She is said to be “devastated” by the impact the investigation has had on their lives.
It is understood he could join him in Bahrain to witness the start of the 2024 Formula One campaign.
