- Helmut Marko speaks out after the leak of alleged text messages
- The 80-year-old was pictured alongside Horner in Bahrain on Thursday.
- Horner participated in Red Bull training before the Bahrain GP
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Helmut Marko has broken his silence over the leaked email showing intimate photos and text messages allegedly sent by Red Bull boss Christian Horner to a female employee.
Marko has admitted he was “stunned” after the explosive email containing 79 documents, including hundreds of messages, was sent to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, among others. .
The document was sent anonymously after Horner was cleared of “coercive behaviour” following an internal investigation on Thursday by his team’s parent organisation, Red Bull GmbH.
Horner enjoyed a brief moment of joy after his position was confirmed ahead of the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix starting on Saturday, before the leaked exchange containing alleged messages of a sexual nature between the Red Bull team principal and an employee.
The 50-year-old, who has been a central figure in engineering Red Bull’s dominance in F1 in recent years, is now struggling to maintain his position within the team while his marriage to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is now in doubt for the friends for the first time revealed to MailOnline.
Helmut Marko has spoken out about the leaked email that allegedly shows messages sent by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to a female employee.
Horner (right) was seen with Marko inside the Red Bull hospitality area in Bahrain on Thursday.
Horner and current Formula One world champion Max Verstappen talk at the Bahrain circuit
Marko, who is listed as director of Red Bull Racing, has now spoken out about the leaked trades that have thrown Horner’s future into chaos.
‘I am shocked and surprised that the documents have been leaked. I’ve never seen them,” Marko told Bild via motorsport-total.
Red Bull has so far refused to deny the legitimacy of the messages and Horner has issued a statement after receiving legal advice.
“I will not comment on anonymous speculation,” Horner said, “but, to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.”
‘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,” he added.
Marko has admitted that he is “astonished and surprised” by the leaked email sent on Thursday.
Red Bull has been behind Mercedes in free practice ahead of the next Bahrain GP
Horner took part in practice sessions in Bahrain before qualifying begins on Friday.
Horner took part in practice sessions in Bahrain before qualifying began on Friday and spent time with Marko, three-time world champion Max Verstappen and his father Jos in the Red Bull hospitality area at the Bahrain circuit.
The show of unity comes at a time when his 19-year position at Red Bull is under threat.
The FIA and F1 owners Liberty Media were weighing up their response to the evidence now in the public domain.
Other team principals Toto Wolff and McLaren CEO Zak Brown have also spoken out about the ongoing incident, with the Mercedes boss calling for more “transparency”.
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