Christian Horner Breaks Silence On Red Bull Misconduct Investigation

Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner has been cleared of misconduct allegations following an exhaustive internal investigation conducted by Red Bull GmbH as well as an external appeal process.

The investigation began in February when Horner faced accusations of inappropriate behavior leveraged by a female colleague.

Since the allegations surfaced, Horner has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The process reached a conclusion with the appeal against his initial clearance being dismissed this August, affirming Horner’s innocence. Addressing the outcome, Horner broke his silence whilst speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix:

“Obviously, it’s been a hugely thorough process and, of course, I was relieved with the appeal concluding and dismissing the claim.

“So, now It’s very much, as it has been all season, focus on track, here at Max’s home race and looking forward to these last 10 races.”

Reflecting on the public nature of the investigation, Horner commented:

“It is a private matter. I’m just relieved that the process [carried out by] the company now has been concluded. Our focus is very much on track.”

Despite the operational hiccups and speculation about the impact on team performance, Red Bull Racing seeks to place its complete focus back on the race track.

Red Bull GmbH released the following statement at the beginning of the F1 summer break:

“Earlier this year, a complaint raised against Christian Horner was investigated. That complaint was dealt with through the company’s grievance procedure by the appointment of an independent KC who dismissed the grievance.

“The complainant exercised the right to appeal, and the appeal was carried out by another independent KC. All stages of the appeal process have now been concluded, with the final outcome that the appeal is not being upheld.

“The KC’s conclusions have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull. The internal process has concluded.

“The company respects the privacy of all its employees and will not be making further public comment on this matter at this time.

“Red Bull is committed to continuing to meet the highest workplace standards.”

2024 Drivers’ Championship: Current Standings

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull – 277 points

2. Lando Norris, McLaren – 199 points

3. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – 177 points

4. Oscar Piastri, McLaren – 167 points

5. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – 162 points

6. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes – 150 points

7. Sergio Perez, Red Bull – 131 points

8. George Russell, Mercedes – 116 points

9. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin – 49 points

10. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin – 24 points

11. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas – 22 points

12. Yuki Tsunoda, RB – 22 points

13. Daniel Ricciardo, RB – 12 points

14. Oliver Bearman, Ferrari (reserve) – 6 points

15. Pierre Gasly, Alpine – 6 points

16. Kevin Magnussen, Haas – 5 points

17. Esteban Ocon, Alpine – 5 points

18. Alex Albon, Williams – 4 points

19. Zhou Guanyu, Sauber – 0 points

20. Logan Sargeant, Williams – 0 points

21. Valtteri Bottas, Sauber – 0 points