Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been cleared of displaying inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague, the team said in a statement.
Horner was the subject of an internal investigation conducted by an independent lawyer following claims made against him. He denied any wrongdoing throughout.
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The 50-year-old has enjoyed huge success with Red Bull, leading them to 13 world titles – six World Constructors’ Championships and seven World Drivers’ Championships – since taking up the principal role in 2005.
A Red Bull statement read: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
“The complainant has a right of appeal.
“Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial. The investigation report is confidential and contains the 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 concerned.
“Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”
Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was the mastermind of Red Bull’s record-breaking 2023 season in which they won 21 of 22 races as Max Verstappen claimed his third world title.
Earlier, Verstappen denied the investigation, which has dominated the Formula One agenda since coming to light on February 5, had affected his on-track performance ahead of Saturday’s season-opening race in Bahrain.
The Dutchman said: “It doesn’t. I’m very focused on just the performance of the car and myself.
“It’s a whole team effort that everyone has to stick together and work to more success, so that’s why it’s important to get everything resolved.”
All smiles as the Bulls arrive in Bahrain 😄 pic.twitter.com/MRvCtnLmvf
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) FEBRUARY 28, 2024
Speaking before the verdict was known, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton voiced his hope that the outcome would show Formula One has stood “true to our values”.
The Mercedes driver said: “We always have to do more to try to make the sport and the environment that people get to work in feel safe and inclusive.
“Any allegations have to be taken very seriously.
“Obviously, we don’t know everything that has gone on but it does need to be resolved as it’s hanging over the sport.
“It will be really interesting to see how it’s dealt with moving forward in terms of the effect it may or may not have on the sport.
“I think it is a really important moment for the sport to make sure we stand true to our values.”
