Christian Horner cleared after investigation into behaviour at Red Bull

Christian Horner has been exonerated of any wrongdoing by an independent investigation into allegations of inappropriate controlling behaviour made against him by a female member of staff.

Horner has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and insisted he would robustly defend himself and on Wednesday Red Bull Racing’s parent company Red Bull GmbH issued a statement having assessed the findings of the investigation that entirely cleared the 50-year-old.

“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” it read.

“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 has yet to make any comment but is expected to arrive at the Bahrain International circuit on Thursday.

The decision means the 50-year-old, who has been at the helm of the team since its inception in 2005, will oversee operations in Bahrain as Red Bull prepare for the opening race on 2 March after almost four weeks of uncertainty and drama.

Horner is expected to continue in his role as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, as he had made clear was his intention while the inquiry was ongoing.

“I am absolutely committed to this team, I have been here since the beginning, I have built this team,” he said at the launch of this year’s car two weeks ago. “There have been highs and lows along the way, 113 race wins, we have won seven drivers’ world championships, six constructors’ world championships in 19 seasons. That’s in the history books now but it’s what lies ahead that’s important. My focus is on the future.”

He was understood to have been blindsided when Red Bull GmbH announced on 1 February it was launching an investigation following what it said were “recent allegations”. The statement at the time said: “The company takes these matters extremely ­seriously and the investigation will be ­–completed as soon as practically ­possible.”

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The complainant has not been identified however nor has any detail of the complaint, except it is understood to have alleged Horner had used “controlling” behaviour.

Horner, who was at an F1 commission meeting when the original statement was released, denied any wrongdoing to attendees and reiterated this to Dutch media organisation De Telegraaf, saying: “I completely deny these claims,” as the investigation continued during the buildup to the new season.

Nonetheless, the Red Bull chief’s future had hung in the balance during the investigation and he defended himself at length in a meeting with the still unnamed English barrister leading the inquiry in central London [on 9 February] which is understood to have lasted for eight hours across the ­morning and afternoon, after which, as had been expected, no decision was immediately announced.

“It would not be appropriate to comment before the investigation is completed,” said Red Bull Racing in a statement after the meeting.

The team principal was not suspended during the course of the investigation and, at the launch of the new car reiterated his denials of any wrongdoing and insisted he was the right person to lead Red Bull going forwards.

“I am confident in the process, I am working with the process,” he said. “I deny absolutely any allegations that have been made against me.”

With the parent company having decided he has no case to answer after reviewing the findings of the investigation, Horner will be front and centre in Bahrain as Red Bull attempt to defend their dual titles in the constructors’ and drivers’ championships after two years of dominance.